Pregnancy

Pregnancy in Youth: What You Need to Know

Pregnancy in youth happens when someone aged 12-20 becomes pregnant. In Canada, Saskatchewan has the highest provincial rate of pregnancies among youth.

Pregnancy Options

If you suspect you are pregnant, taking a pregnancy test is the first step to confirming it. There are several options available to you:

  • Have the baby and raise it.
  • Have the baby and put it up for adoption.
  • End the pregnancy (abortion).

Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, or staff at sexual health clinics can help answer your questions and discuss your options, keeping your health and well-being in mind. If you decide to continue the pregnancy, regular checkups are important to ensure both your health and the health of the baby.

If you’re considering abortion, you can contact these clinics in Saskatchewan for guidance and support:

  • Planned Parenthood Regina | Sexual Health Regina
  • Prince Albert Sexual Health Clinic/Access Place: 306-765-6540
  • Home • Saskatoon Sexual Health

Planned vs. Unplanned Pregnancies

  • Planned pregnancies may occur when two people decide they want to become parents and intentionally stop using contraceptives (birth control) or don’t actively try to prevent pregnancy.
  • Unplanned pregnancies happen when contraception is not used, used incorrectly or inconsistently, or fails.
  • Unplanned pregnancies can also happen as a result of non-consensual sex (sexual assault or rape). Support services are available for people who have experienced sexual assault (refer to Provincial Sexual Assault Resources/Hotlines below).
    • Talk to a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, or counselor who can help guide you.
    • Go to a hospital or clinic for medical care and to make sure you’re okay.
    • You have the right to report it to the police, who can investigate and hold the person accountable.
  • Consensual sex is when both people agree to it, are comfortable, and give their clear, enthusiastic permission.
  • Non-consensual sex is when one person does not agree, is forced, pressured, or unable to give permission (for example, if they are drunk) – this is sexual assault or rape. Rape is a crime, and it is never the survivor’s fault.

Pregnancy Health Risks for Youth

  • Youth who become pregnant are more likely to have health risks, like babies being born too early or too small.
  • Youth may also not get enough prenatal care, which is important for a healthy pregnancy.

Care During Pregnancy

  • Talk to a doctor about all pregnancy options.
  • Get regular health checks, including tests for sexually transmitted infections (STI).
  • Make sure the pregnant person is eating well and staying healthy during pregnancy.

Birth and After Birth

  • Young mothers may have shorter labours and fewer complications during birth, but they still need extra support afterward.
  • It’s important for new moms to think about birth control after having a baby to avoid getting pregnant again too soon.

Support for Young Parents

If you’re pregnant or already a parent, it’s important to get help and support. There are programs to help you finish school, get financial support, and take care of your baby. It’s okay to ask for help from health professionals, family, or friends.

Challenges of Being a Young Parent

  • Youth pregnancy can make it harder to finish school or find a good job.
  • Babies of young mothers may have more learning and behaviour issues as they grow up.
  • Relationships with the baby’s dad may be harder to maintain.

Alcohol and Pregnancy

  • Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can affect your unborn baby, causing a disability called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
  • There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. It’s safest to avoid alcohol entirely while pregnant. For more information on alcohol and pregnancy, click here.

Cannabis and Pregnancy

  • Cannabis (also know as weed, marijuana, hashish, hash, and pot) is not safe during pregnancy.
  • There is no safe amount of cannabis use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or might become pregnant, it’s safest to avoid cannabis. For more information on cannabis and pregnancy, click here.

How to Prevent Pregnancy in Youth

There are several ways to prevent pregnancy:

  • Abstinence: Not having sex is the only 100% sure way to prevent pregnancy.
  • Birth control: If you are sexually active, using birth control (like condoms or the pill) can help prevent pregnancy.
  • Education: Learn about contraception (birth control) and how to use it correctly.
  • Talk openly: It’s important to have honest conversations with your partner about contraceptive use. You can also talk to parents or trusted adults about sex, relationships, and contraception.

For more Information about Pregnancy

If you’re in Saskatchewan and need help or information about pregnancy, here are some resources you can contact for support:

Kids Help Phone

Toll free, 24/7, confidential:
1-800-668-6868

Text:
CONNECT to 686868 for text chats

  • www.kidshelpphone.ca
  • Emergency Contraception, Pregnancy Tests & Abortion
  • How to Talk to a Partner about Sexual Health
  • What is a Sexual Health Clinic?
  • Sex: The basics
  • Birth Control and STIs: Important things to know

HealthLine

Professional health advice (mental health, addictions, education)
Toll free, 24/7, confidential: 811

Sexual Health Clinics and Services throughout Saskatchewan

  • Saskatoon Sexual Health

Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights

Toll free, 9:00AM and 9:00PM EST, confidential: 1-888-642-2725

Keep it Safe Saskatchewan (KIS-SK) App

Download the Keep it Safe Saskatchewan (KIS-SK) app to find contraceptives, STI testing, and pregnancy support options near you. (Available on Apple Store and Google Play). KIS-SK App

Saskatchewan Prevention Institute

  • Pregnancy
  • Your Pregnancy Month by Month
  • HIV and Pregnancy
  • Cannabis and Pregnancy
  • FASD: Let’s Change the Conversation
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)

Provincial Sexual Assault Resources

  • Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre
  • Regina Sexual Assault Centre
  • Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan
  • Lloydminster Sexual Assault Services
  • Piwapan Women’s Centre
  • Prince Albert Sexual Assault Centre

Provincial Sexual Assault Hotlines

  • Regina Sexual Assault Centre: Sexual Assault Line (24/7)
    1-844-952-0434
  • Prince Albert Mobile Crisis Unit: Sexual Assault Line (24/7)
    306-764-1039
  • Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre (24/7)
    306-244-2224

Other Areas

Other Areas

August 12, 2024

Let’s Yap

June 25, 2019

Substance Use Awareness

June 24, 2019

Sexual Health

June 23, 2019

Pregnancy

June 22, 2019

Abuse

June 21, 2019

Mental Health

June 20, 2019

Gender and Sexual Identity

June 19, 2019

Homelessness

June 18, 2019

Gangs

June 17, 2019

Bullying

June 16, 2019

Relationships

June 15, 2019

Internet Awareness and Safety

June 14, 2019

Human Rights

June 12, 2019

YAP Projects

June 12, 2019

Youth Service Provider Training

June 11, 2019

Youth-led Community Health Grants Program

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