I'm 16 pregnant help me what can i do?

I'm 16 live in the UK and pregnant what can I do I was raped but I've decided to keep my baby, but what advice can u give me Cheeky Chums. At present I live with my friend and her family I don't get on with my mum. I started a childcare course in September and my mums friend gets child benefit for me shall I quit college too now im 12 weeks pregnant. She knows I'm pregnant but I haven’t told anyone else not even my doctor.

First things first. Its important for both your baby and you that you receive the correct antenatal care. Register the pregnancy at your local doctor’s surgery who will then refer you for scans at the hospital and midwives to keep a regular check on you both until after the birth.

Take folic acid straight way which helps combat spina bifida and until your doctor tells you otherwise. (An abnormality of the baby’s spine which can result in your baby not being able to walk.)

Some important facts to consider now that you have decided you are ready to become a mother.

Do not smoke or drink or take drugs from now on if you are taking anything that can later harm your baby. In some case social services can remove your baby from you if you show that you are and have put your baby at risk especially drugs. Its important that you show people that you are responsible enough to take care of a baby or at least prepared to do what it takes to keep him or her when the baby is born.

 A good idea is to speak to your college tutor or midwife who can put you in touch with a teenage pregnancy support officer (TPSO).

Housing issues get your friends mum to contact your local area housing office. For Supported housing - if you have no experience of living alone and need help with managing money, paying rent and living independently, an interview can be arranged with one of the supported housing providers. Ask also about your local connections office if you have not already spoken to them in the past.

 Financially here are some tips that we are aware of that you are entitled to

You are entitled to free prescriptions up to the age of 16 (19 if in full time education).

You are entitled to free dental treatment up to the age of 18.

You are entitled to free sight tests and help with glasses or contact lenses up to the age of 16 (19 if in full time education).

You yourself will be entitled to receive child benefit for your own baby when it arrives. You can get a form from the birth and registry office when you register the birth. You can also claim child tax credit after the birth for your baby if you decide to go to work instead of college then you may also be able to get working tax credit too. If you stay on at college some colleges offer a crèche facility to look after your baby whilst in college.

You can get the grant if all of the following apply:

 You are 25 weeks pregnant or more you have been given health advice from a midwife or doctor you may not get the grant if:

 You are subject to immigration control or you are not present, ordinarily resident or have a right to reside in the UK How much do you get?

The grant will be a one-off payment of £190 for each pregnancy. It will not affect your tax credits or any other benefits. Everyone will get the same amount – you will not be asked about your income.

 How do you claim?

Get a claim form from your midwife or doctor - as long as you're at least 25 weeks pregnant. Your midwife or doctor must fill in their part of the form and sign it before giving it to you.

 You will need to get your claim form to HMRC within 31 days of your midwife or doctor signing the form - otherwise you may miss out on the grant.

 You can get a free text message or email reminder to help you remember to claim if you are not 25 weeks pregnant yet.

 Sign-up for the HiPG reminder service

 This may be an area you can also seek help from whilst you are pregnant your local social security office. If you are over 16 and pregnant, or responsible for a child, or disabled, or estranged from your parents or someone acting in place of your parents, then you may be entitled to Income Support even while still at school. Like Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support is a weekly amount of money for you to live on.  You could also be entitled to Children's Tax Credit for any dependant children.  Income Support can be very complicated and if you think you might be entitled seek advice.

If you later need premature baby clothes the online superstore as all you need in the tinest sizings at Cheeky Chums http://cheekychumsonline.co.uk

or Nanny Nicu range at http://www.tiny-baby-clothes.co.uk