If you think you might be pregnant, you may have questions about your health, school, or how to tell someone you trust. You don’t have to figure everything out at once.
CAPS offers free pregnancy testing, information about your options, and caring support in San Diego. We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and help you take your next step.
Understanding Your Situation: First Steps for Pregnant Teens
Start by finding out whether you’re pregnant. If cost or privacy is keeping you from asking for help, our team can explain our free services and answer your questions about confidentiality.
How Do You Know if You’re Pregnant?
If you think you might be pregnant, start with a pregnancy test. If your test is positive, we encourage you to contact CAPS about a limited ultrasound. Our team can explain when an ultrasound may be appropriate and what it can tell you about your pregnancy.
CAPS provides free pregnancy tests and limited ultrasounds for eligible patients. Our team will explain the services available to you and answer your questions without judgment or pressure.
If you would like to bring a parent, trusted friend, or loved one, ask our team what to expect at your appointment. We want you to feel comfortable asking questions and getting the support you need.
Your Privacy Matters
We provide care in a confidential setting and protect your health information according to applicable law. Some situations require reporting, including suspected child abuse or certain infections. You can ask our team how confidentiality applies to your visit before sharing sensitive information.
Know Your Legal Rights as a Pregnant Teen
Your rights depend on where you receive care. Here is what to know in California.
Do You Need a Parent’s Permission to Get an Abortion in California?
In California, you do not need a parent’s or guardian’s permission to consent to an abortion.
If it feels safe, a parent or another trusted adult may be a helpful source of support. Our team can help you prepare for that conversation.
Navigating Teen Pregnancy Resources: Your Options Explained
Pregnancy options education can help you understand abortion, adoption, and parenting and prepare questions about your next steps.
CAPS offers clear information and a caring place to talk without pressure. Our team will treat you with respect and help you explore available support.
How Do You Tell Your Parents You’re Pregnant?
Telling your parents you’re pregnant may feel difficult, especially while you’re still processing the news yourself. If you are worried about threats or harm, talk with a trusted adult or an advocate before telling them. These tips can help you prepare for a conversation when it feels safe:
You Don’t Need Every Answer
You do not have to decide what to do before talking with someone you trust. It is okay to say, ‘I’m still figuring this out, and I need your support.’ Think about what would help you most right now, such as someone to listen or help arranging an appointment.
Confide in Someone You Trust
If you’re unsure what to say or how your parents might react, confide in someone you trust first. Perhaps an older sibling, aunt, school counselor, or mentor. They may be able to help you process your thoughts and feelings and put them into words. You could even practice the conversation with them to calm your nerves and build confidence.
Choose the Right Time and Place
Pick a time when your parents aren’t rushed, stressed, or distracted. Choose a time and place where you feel safe and have support available if you need it. Make sure you have enough time to talk without interruptions.
Get Straight to the Point
You can keep it simple: ‘I found out I’m pregnant. I’m still processing it, and I’d like your help.’
Prepare for Their Reaction
Your parents may have questions or need time to process the news. You do not need to have every answer. Share what you feel comfortable sharing, and explain what support would help.
If the conversation becomes overwhelming, you can ask to pause and return to it with someone you trust. Threats or harm are not okay.
Important Safety Note
If you are worried about threats or harm, talk with a trusted adult or an advocate before telling your parents. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 if it is safe to do so.
For domestic violence support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. If your phone or internet use may be monitored, use a safer device when possible.
Free Teen Pregnancy Resources in San Diego, California
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. CAPS offers free services and caring support to help you take your next step.
Our free services and support include:
- Free lab-quality pregnancy testing
- Free limited ultrasounds for eligible patients
- Information about parenting, adoption, and abortion
- Emotional support and a listening ear
- Referrals to additional community resources
- Help preparing to talk with parents or partners
Our services are free of charge. Contact our team to ask what to bring, which services are available to you, and how consent and confidentiality apply to your appointment.
Call or text us at 619-337-8080, or request an appointment online. We’re here to listen and help you take your next step.
Important Notes: Please be aware that CAPS does not provide or refer for abortion services.
This article provides general information and does not replace medical advice or treatment. Our limited ultrasound exams assess pregnancy location, estimate gestational age, and look for detectable cardiac activity. If cardiac activity is not seen, it may be too early, or further evaluation may be needed. A limited ultrasound does not diagnose every pregnancy complication. If findings are unclear or concerning, we will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care.