Hi there, welcome to Ask Robyn.

Thank you so much for reaching out to Ask Robyn with your question. It’s understandable that you feel overwhelmed and worried about what might be happening with your daughter. Realising that your teenage daughter may be pregnant can bring up many emotions, including guilt, confusion, and concern for her future. These are all completely normal feelings, and reaching out for guidance shows just how much you care.

If your daughter is showing signs of pregnancy, the first step might be to gently encourage her to take a pregnancy test. She may be feeling a range of emotions herself – fear, anxiety, or even uncertainty about talking to you. Reassure her that you are there to support her no matter the outcome. It’s often best to approach this conversation in a calm and understanding way, letting her know that you’re there to listen and that she doesn’t have to go through this alone.

Once she knows whether she is pregnant, it can help to explore the options together. In Ireland, there are several pathways and support services available for young people in her situation. The HSE provides a range of unplanned pregnancy support services, which you can find at: www2.hse.ie/services/unplanned-pregnancy/support-services/. SpunOut.ie also has helpful information on pregnancy support specifically for teens, which might answer some questions both of you have along the way: spunout.ie/life/your-rights/supports-for-pregnant-young-people-ireland/. The Teen Parents Support Programme (TPSP) is another resource that provides assistance to young parents, helping them navigate this journey with added guidance: www.tpsp.ie/..

In addition to these resources, it may also be helpful to consult your family GP or a local sexual health clinic, where you can both receive confidential and professional advice on what steps to take next. They can talk to her about all her options, including continuing the pregnancy, adoption, or termination, in a supportive and non-judgmental way.

If you have any more questions related to this or anything else, we want to reassure you that we are always here if you need to talk. The ISPCC’s Support Line can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by phone from Monday to Friday, 9 am – 1 pm, on 01 522 4300.

Take care,

Robyn