Getting pregnant (truths and myths)

Talking about getting pregnant (truths and myths)

Young people can be great parents, especially when they have the right support around them. But as the parents of teenage children, we might want them to wait until adulthood before considering pregnancy and having children. To help them make informed decisions and avoid unintended pregnancy they need a good grasp of the facts around pregnancy.

The ‘truths and myths’ that follow can be the kind of information you can share across different chats, or you can make something of a game/quiz about it. Does your teenage child know what is true and what is a myth?

Truths about getting pregnant

We can think of a truth as something that is a fact, accurate, that is real or that can happen.

You can get pregnant the first time you have sex.

The best way to avoid pregnancy is not have sex or to always use contraception when having sex.

Sperm can live for 3 to 5 days in the right conditions – If the sperm is in a warm, moist environment it can live after the male has ejaculated. If the sperm then gets inside the female’s vagina there is a risk of pregnancy.

Scotland has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in Europe. (Why do you think that is?)

Myths about getting pregnant

A myth is something that might be believed by people but isn’t true; a fiction; a fake idea or story.

You can’t get pregnant if you have sex standing up. Not true. You can get pregnant if you are having vaginal sex in any position at all.

You can’t get pregnant if you have sex during your period. Not true. You can get pregnant if you have sex during your period. Your ability to get pregnant is dependent on when you ovulate and not directly associated with your period.

If the guy pulls out before he ejaculates you can’t get pregnant. Not true. When the male has an erect penis, he can have pre-cum that has sperm in it. This means pulling out is not a good method to stop pregnancy.

Washing your vagina after sex will prevent a woman from getting pregnant. Not true. Washing a vagina after sex will not wash away the sperm so will not prevent pregnancy.

Having sex in water or in the shower prevents you from getting pregnant. Not true. It doesn’t matter where you have sex – you can still get pregnant.

A sandwich bag or plastic wrap will work just as well as a condom – NO! Only condoms are designed to prevent pregnancy.

Using contraception makes it harder to get pregnant later. Not true. Contraception does prevent pregnancy when you’re using it. Once you stop using it, your fertility returns.

How do you know if you are pregnant? What should you do if you think you or your partner might be pregnant?

For women who have a regular period (monthly menstrual cycle) the earliest and most reliable sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Women who are pregnant sometimes have a very light period, losing only a little blood. Other signs of being pregnant can include:

Feeling sick or vomiting

Strange tastes, smells or cravings

Needing to urinate (pee) more often

Sore breasts

Feeling tired.

We can give a clear message about what to do if they are concerned that they or their partner might be pregnant.

If you think you (your partner) is pregnant, it is important to speak to me, or if not to me to someone you trust as soon as possible. You might be worried or scared but there is help and support. It’s best to find out. It’s good to get a pregnancy test done as soon as you can.

There is more in the Chat to help your conversations. Talking About: Contraception; Talking about: Condoms; Talking about: Finding a sexual health service; Talking about: Abortion.