junior high student thinks she is pregs

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Home Health, Hospice, School.

Help! I had a teacher come to me and tell me that her 8th grade student confided in her that she thinks she may be pregnant. The student lives with her father and is scared to tell him what is going on. I've passed this information on to our counselor but nothing has been done about it yet (that was 2 days ago). The student is not sure when her last menstrual cycle was and is completely freaking out over it. The "incident" happened approx 2 weeks ago, and I do know (per the teacher) that it was with a minor boy, so I know I'm not dealing with an adult/minor type situation here. I was hoping the counselor would take the lead on this since she already has an established relationship with this child and her father, but she hasn't and I know this issue has to be addressed ASAP. The child has no idea that the teacher has come to me, so she is probably going to be blind-sided when she gets called down to the office to see me or her counselor. I've not had to deal with this situation before. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I hope the Texas nurses weigh in. I know that laws vary from state to state.

Specializes in School nursing.
I hope the Texas nurses weigh in. I know that laws vary from state to state.

I was going to say the same thing. I know what I would do in MA - I have a teen clinic I can refer the student to where she can get pregnancy and STI testing free and does not need parental consent.

It seem this poor girl needs confirmation yay or nay. Has she confided that she has taken a pregnancy test?

Specializes in Med-Surg, Home Health, Hospice, School.

She has not taken a pregnancy test. I've been told that we (the school) are not allowed (by law) to buy her one. I'm worried sick over this. This child is already not mentally stable - she has been hospitalized in the past for suicidal ideations and is on antidepressant medications (hence the counselor already having a relationship with student and parent). I know the issue needs to be addressed today. I'd hate for her to do something in her emotional distressed state and it fall back on me, the nurse.

Specializes in kids.

Hmm....if it ends up with you ask her directly...Did you have unprotected intercourse? Sometimes the answer is no, and it turns out to be nothing. The direct question can derail the storytelling piece that I have witnessed.

Sometimes it is yes and then the ish hits the fan, especially if she is.

Good Luck!

What is the counselor telling you the reason as to why she is just sitting on this information? Is she "in process" - Communication!

Go with your gut, get involved

Specializes in School nursing.
Hmm....if it ends up with you ask her directly...Did you have unprotected intercourse? Sometimes the answer is no, and it turns out to be nothing. The direct question can derail the storytelling piece that I have witnessed.

Sometimes it is yes and then the ish hits the fan, especially if she is.

Good Luck!

Direct is the best way, agreed. And if the answer reveals a risk - not much can be done unless you know or you don't.

OP, I know you said you can't buy her a test, but if "somehow" she were to buy one herself, can she use your office to take it...?

Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Does your district have "CIS" - Communities in Schools? They handle stuff like this, at risk pregnant students or students in the situation this girl is in.

If the "incident" took place two weeks ago, a pregnancy test may or may not be accurate. Depending on her LMP or ovulation. That's assuming she actually had intercourse (I really hope not. 8th grade????). If the boy ejaculated and she was simply nearby, maybe she does not understand that she cannot get pregnant from that. In any case, she needs intervention.

Specializes in School nursing.
If the "incident" took place two weeks ago, a pregnancy test may or may not be accurate. Depending on her LMP or ovulation. That's assuming she actually had intercourse (I really hope not. 8th grade????). If the boy ejaculated and she was simply nearby, maybe she does not understand that she cannot get pregnant from that. In any case, she needs intervention.

I have seen 6th and 7th grade students that are sexually active. (Well, maybe "seen" is the wrong word.) :blink:

I really, really hope she was just near a boy that ejaculated into a pool and because she saw it on Glee and happens to have an irregular period, she thinks she is pregnant. But I would not be surprised if she had unprotected lady partsl intercourse either at that age.

Specializes in kids.
I have seen 6th and 7th grade students that are sexually active. (Well, maybe "seen" is the wrong word.) :blink:

I really, really hope she was just near a boy that ejaculated into a pool and because she saw it on Glee and happens to have an irregular period, she thinks she is pregnant. But I would not be surprised if she had unprotected lady partsl intercourse either at that age.

So glad you have NOT seen this!!! Sad but true on the sexual activity.

I have seen 6th and 7th grade students that are sexually active. (Well, maybe "seen" is the wrong word.)

Yikes. I can't even imagine. There's no way I would have had any clue about anything sexual at that age.

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