Ways of preventing pregnancy

The only way to make 100% sure you will not fall pregnant is to not have sex!

Condoms, used properly and consistently stop pregnancy AND prevent HIV.

The contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy if taken every day. It is free at clinics.  The pill does not protect you from getting HIV.

The injection works like the pill but one injection lasts for two to three months, and prevents pregnancy. It is free at clinics. It does not protect against HIV. This is a good choice if you do not want anyone to know you use contraception. You also do not have to remember to take a pill at the same time every day.

The “morning after pill” can be taken if you have sex unexpectedly, are raped, or a condom breaks. BUT it should be taken within 72hrs. This is for emergencies only and it is free at clinics.

You might be pregnant if:

• You do not get your period
• You feel sick, like you want to vomit
• You need to go to the toilet often 
• Your breasts feel a bit sore

You are definitely pregnant if:

A pregnancy test, which is available at a pharmacy, shows positive.
This MUST be confirmed by a health worker.

Options to consider: 

Adoption - A Social Worker organizes for a credible home for the baby.
Keep the baby- You will be responsible for another life. You will need help from your family.
Termination of pregnancy- if you are over 14 years of age and  less than 20 weeks pregnant, you are legally entitled to a safe abortion at a government facility.

If you are HIV+ remember to join PMTCT at your nearest clinic.

Cost of Raising a Child

The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from 0 – 18 years.
The total was R1 681 470.00 for a middle income family. This works out to R254.52 a day and provides the child with best quality care and education. This is just the financial cost, how its affects the parents emotionally was not included.

An average cost of raising a child for a low income family is R16200 a year, R1350 a month, R337.50 a week, and R48.21 a day. If you think that the Child support grant is R250 per month, unless you have additional income which is especially for the child you will have R8.00 per day to spend on your child’s wellbeing.  This is just not enough to care for a child properly.
 
Monthly costs of raising a 0-2yrs child

Nappies                       R250
Milk                                R300
Solids                           R200
Clothes                         R100
Body lotion/Vaseline  R50
Soaps & shampoo     R50
Medical Expenses      R100
Basic care/fees           R300
Total                              R1350

Less the Child Support Grant R250
Total you need to earn              R1100

“It’s okay to ask for help.”
 

Happily expectant