Positive test, need advice

[seaonseatings]

I'm just confused and want some advice on what to do. I've been with my boyfriend for just less than a year and I've just done a positive pregnancy test and I don't know what to do.
I'm trying to weigh up the pros and cons of our options and thought maybe Mumsnet could help.
We're only 22, will be 23 when it's here and not in the place we want to be jobwise. Also don't live together yet.

Any advice welcomed thanks

Do you have any feelings about what you want to do ?
Of course timing here matters, but try to give yourself time to think. I have friends who were in your situation who went ahead with the pregnancy, and friends who terminated, so all that matters here is what you want to do, not what you feel you should.

I really don't know, I keep going backwards and forwards on what to do.
Financially speaking we aren't ready but is anyone? We could make it work it's just be tight to start.
I guess I just never planned for my life to be like this.
I'm just so confused and terrified of telling anyone like my parents etc

There is free professional counselling available through your gp that will help you decide what to do.

You don’t need to tell anyone yet.

Thank you, does that mean my next step is booking a doctors appointment?

If you do decide you want to go ahead OP, It isn’t always a disaster just because you aren’t 30 and settled with a house etc. Babies are hard work of course, but that stays true whatever time in life you have them, I don’t think ,looking back, that it matters much when it is. You muddle through somehow.
Would your Mum be supportive and help you through the confusion of how to proceed ?

My sisters just announced her pregnancy over Christmas so I feel like right now I can't talk to any of my immediate family about it. Having all of this going through my head whilst all the baby talk is going on has been easy but of course I'm happy for my sister and brother in law.

How strong do you feel your relationship with your boyfriend is? A baby can put a huge strain on even the best relationship.

I feel as though we are very strong but of course I'm not naive to how difficult this would be and the effect it could have on us as a couple

I had a child at 21 then realised that I didn't have my own life anymore and didn't have until he grew up.
Everything is your child from the moment they are born. Are you ready for that, is your boyfriend. I ended up a single mum and it's tough.
Go into it seeing everything realistically, don't use your heart or your dreams, use your head.

My friend’s dd had a baby at 22, in just your circs. Both sets of parents are close by and have been supportive, and she is a wonderful Mum, the baby is four now and the couple are still together. I think it helps a lot if you have youngish, supportive parents and wider family.

What madcatlady said.

I know this might sound very trite but could you go for a longish walk on your own - I find that helps me think things through .Something about being on the move makes it easier .

I'm sure that whatever you decide you will be fine ,you sound very mature and thoughtful .

Good luck x

OP , obviously this is your body and so your decision, but how does your boyfriend feel about it ?