Free Services

From pregnancy tests to ultrasounds, education, and pregnancy options counseling, we are here for you every step of the way. All of our services are provided at no cost and with complete confidentiality. We understand the importance of trust and privacy, so when you visit our center, you can feel secure knowing that your information will remain strictly confidential.

Pregnancy Tests

If you have had unprotected sex, or have missed your period, you might be wondering if you are pregnant. The first thing you may want to do is take a pregnancy test. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing at our center at no cost. 

Ultrasounds

If you are pregnant, an ultrasound will help determine how far along you are. We offer limited obstetrical ultrasound to prove the viability (meaning the pregnancy has not miscarried and is not ectopic) of pregnancy.

Pregnancy Counseling

We want you to be informed on all of your pregnancy options. When a woman is facing an unexpected pregnancy, she may want information on abortion, the abortion pill, adoption, etc. It is very important that women receive accurate information in a safe environment. We are here to answer your questions and direct you to the appropriate resources. 

Material Assistance

We understand that with a new baby comes the need for material resources such as diapers and bottles. Our center is happy to help supply you with what you need as you begin this new journey into parenthood.

Post Abortion Support

There is no right or wrong way to feel after your abortion. Every woman’s experience is unique. Relief, anger, sadness, and hope can all exist at one time. That may be confusing, but it’s also normal. If you’re looking for emotional support after abortion, we’re here to help.

Community Referrals

We understand that often there is more than parenting resources that you need. We work with other local organizations to provide you with the community and financial resources that can guide you into a stable future. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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I think I'm pregnant!

Even if you use contraception before having sex, there is still a chance of pregnancy. Keep in mind that contraception is not 100% effective. The woman's time of the month is also a factor which can increase or decrease the possibility of pregnancy. And since sperm can survive in the woman's body for a number of days, the outcome may still be uncertain at any given time.

If you have missed a period, that alone does not necessarily mean you are pregnant. Several changes in your life—including stress, diet, change in exercise, and other factors—may affect your cycle and stop or delay your period.

But the first thing you must do if your period is late—especially after having sex, even with protection—is to confirm whether you are pregnant or not.

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Is there a charge for your services?

No. All of our services are free of charge and confidential. You can visit our center confidently knowing you will not be required to pay a penny to receive the help, resources, and hope that you need.

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Do I need to schedule an appointment?

Yes. An appointment can make things easier and quicker for you. Call us on 20330023.

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How can I confirm that I'm pregnant?

A pregnancy test may be a good indication that you are pregnant. You must follow the instructions to the letter. However, even if it is positive, following up with a diagnosis by a medical professional is the best way to know for sure. They will carry out more tests, including an ultrasound.

If you get in touch with LifeLine, we will provide you with a free and confidential pregnancy test or retest. The results will be available within minutes. We will also provide further help by referring you for an appointment with a doctor. Contact LifeLine.

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How accurate is a home pregnant test?

When a fertilised egg attaches to the wall of the uterus, a hormone named human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is released. This normally happens approximately six days after fertilisation. Home pregnancy tests check the urine for this hormone. However, these tests are not 100% accurate.

Although it is quite rare, there have been cases where women had positive pregnancy tests without actually being pregnant. Taking a second pregnancy test may help verify the situation. However, following up with a medical professional is always the best option if you think you're pregnant.

At LifeLine, we offer laboratory-quality pregnancy tests that are 99% accurate. They detect the hCG hormone as early as seven days after conception, or 21-24 days after the first day of your last period. We also offer a second pregnancy test, as well as referrals for professional health care providers for further assessment. Contact LifeLine.

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What are the first symptoms of pregnancy?

The signs and symptoms of pregnancy may vary or not be noticeable at all. Every woman—and at times, each pregnancy—may have different indications. Early signs and symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

  • Missed period
  • Tender and swollen breasts
  • Nausea, with or without vomiting
  • Increased urination
  • Fatigue/tiredness

Further symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

  • Light spotting
  • Cramping
  • Moodiness
  • Bloating
  • Constipation

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My pregnancy test is positive - what am I going to do?

The first thing you must remember if you are facing an unexpected pregnancy is that you are not alone. At LifeLine, we are here to guide you and offer you confidential and practical support when you need it the most.

You may contact us confidentially through one of the following options:

Our skilled counsellors are trained to listen to your concerns and assist you with all the necessary resources you may require to navigate through this uncertain time.

If you are confused or worried because of an unexpected pregnancy, we are here for you!

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My pregnancy test is positive - what am I going to do?

The first thing you must remember if you are facing an unexpected pregnancy is that you are not alone. At LifeLine, we are here to guide you and offer you confidential and practical support when you need it the most.

You may contact us confidentially through one of the following options:

Our skilled counsellors are trained to listen to your concerns and assist you with all the necessary resources you may require to navigate through this uncertain time.

If you are confused or worried because of an unexpected pregnancy, we are here for you!

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Will you still help me after I give birth?

Our support does not stop as soon as the baby is born. After birth, you can still rely on us to be there for you.

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What if I don't want this baby?

There are a few instances where you may feel that it is not a good time to have a baby. You might be facing this momentous decision alone and may have financial restrictions. If you are still at school, you may worry you won't be able to continue your studies if you have a baby.

If the baby is a result of abuse or rape, your life will be in turmoil, and you may find it extremely hard to accept the baby. If a medical complication is detected, or if the baby has a disability, you might consider an abortion to be the only way out.

But there are different courses of action that you can take. Keep in mind that:

  • Many young girls go on to have their baby and graduate from school.
  • Many women and girls do keep their baby, even when it was conceived in rape.
  • Medical problems and disabilities do not mean that the baby does not deserve to live.
  • Even if you don’t want to keep the baby, you may opt for adoption.
  • Most importantly: You are not alone!

Pregnancy crisis centres like LifeLine offer financial, practical, psychological, and material support to women and girls facing any of the above-mentioned or other circumstances. Reach out to us, and we will help you in any way you may need.

Whatever the circumstances, if you are facing a crisis pregnancy, it is always best to take the time to inform yourself on all the options and help that is available. Even if you are considering an abortion or are being pressured to have one, please stop and think before rushing into any decision. Get in touch! You are not alone! We are here for you.

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My doctor detected a pre-natal medical complication - I need guidance and support.

Ultrasounds and various tests may be done during a pregnancy to check if the mother or baby has any problems. With more advances in technology, there is a rise in pre-natal medical complications being detected early in a pregnancy. Complications in pregnancies are rare and some may be treatable, but other diagnoses may be devastating to face.

It is important to remember that screening tests do not provide a specific diagnosis. In fact, they may show an abnormal result even if there is nothing wrong, or in rare cases, they may miss an existing problem. A diagnostic test will provide a more detailed investigation in the case of an abnormal result.

It is to be noted that there have been cases of misdiagnoses of defects in the baby, which were confirmed after further testing—or even when the baby was born completely healthy. Nevertheless, a diagnosis of abnormality may be alarming and overwhelming. However, it should not signify a death sentence for the baby. Every life is valuable, even with any limitations these circumstances might bring.

At LifeLine, we will support you and your family and help you tackle this difficult situation. We will listen to your concerns, discuss options, and tackle any questions you will definitely have. We are here to walk you through the pregnancy and even after birth.

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What are the stages of development in a pregnancy?

A pregnancy usually lasts around 40 weeks. This period commences on the first day of the woman's last menstruation, approximately two weeks before conception. The pregnancy itself is divided into three trimesters, each lasting around 12-13 weeks.

At the time of ovulation, an egg is released from the ovary and starts its journey through the fallopian tube towards the uterus. If sperm is present in the fallopian tube, it enters the egg, which is then fertilised. This is the moment of conception, which is the exact point when the life of that new human being begins. At this point, the sex of the baby is already determined. The fertilised egg, called a blastocyst, then implants into the uterus and begins to grow.

The week-by-week stages of development of the life growing inside the womb in the first trimester are as follows:

  • 2 weeks: The egg and sperm combine, and fertilisation occurs.
  • 3 weeks: The blastocyst implants itself into the womb.
  • 4 weeks: Now an embryo, it is the size of a poppy seed.
  • 5 weeks: The baby is the size of a sesame seed. Its circulatory system is forming and the heart will start beating.
  • 6 weeks: The baby is the size of a lentil. The nose, mouth, and ears are taking shape, and the brain and intestines are starting to develop.
  • 7 weeks: The size of the baby has doubled and is the size of a blueberry. The arms and legs are developing, and the tiny hands and feet are forming into a paddle shape.
  • 8 weeks: The baby is the size of a kidney bean. It has started moving. It is developing nerve cells, and breathing tubes reach from the throat to the growing lungs.
  • 9 weeks: The baby is the size of a grape, and its basic physiology is now formed.
  • 10 weeks: The baby is the size of a kumquat. The embryo has translucent skin. It can bend its tiny limbs, while its nails are starting to grow. At this point, the pregnancy has overcome the critical stages of development.
  • 11 weeks: Now considered a fetus, the baby is the size of a fig and is almost fully formed. Its movements include kicking, stretching, and hiccupping as the diaphragm develops. The mother cannot feel the movements at this point.
  • 12 weeks: The baby is the size of a lime. Reflexes are starting to kick in. It can gradually open and close its fingers, and make sucking movements with its mouth. The mother still cannot feel any activity, but the baby will feel it if the mother’s tummy is prodded.
  • 13 weeks: The baby is the size of a pea pod. It now has fingerprints, and the veins and organs can be clearly seen through the skin. If it is female, the ovaries already contain over 2 million eggs.

The first trimester is the most common period of time when abortions may be carried out. The reasoning behind this is that often women are told that, during this period, it is just a "clump of cells". However, as may be seen from the above timeline, the baby in the womb is already a growing human life, with basic biological functions developing fast—right from the start.

And this tiny human being in the womb continues to flourish as the months go by!

In the second trimester, the baby may suck its thumb at 14 weeks and sense light shone on the mother’s tummy at 15 weeks. The mother will start to feel the baby moving inside her womb. At 19 weeks, the embryo will begin developing its senses and may hear voices outside the womb, which may also start being recognised at 23 weeks. At 27 weeks, the last week of the second trimester, the brain is active, and sleep comes in patterns. The lungs are not fully formed, but the baby can still breathe outside the womb with medical help. It is now the size of a cauliflower head.

The start of the third trimester sees the baby blinking its eyes, which now have eyelashes. At 34 weeks, its central nervous system and lungs are reaching maturity. The kidneys and liver are developed at 35 weeks and may start functioning. As the date of birth draws near, the brain and lungs will mature, and the tiny body will continue putting on fat. At 39 weeks, the baby is completely developed, and the due date at 40 weeks will see its size as that of a small pumpkin. The baby is now fully ready to be born!

 

https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/your-baby/fetal-development-week-by-week_10406730

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What is LifeLine and its mission?

LifeLine Malta is a pregnancy support centre for girls, women, and families who require practical and compassionate assistance. We offer a non-profit helpline operated by Life Network Foundation Malta, a registered pro-life NGO. We are a faith-based centre, but we do not impose our faith on anyone who seeks our help.

Our mission is to endorse every human life from conception to natural death. We aim to help empower people to make life-affirming choices. We offer confidential care and friendly support, a 24-hour helpline, and professional and skilled counsellors to all those in need.

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What is LifeLine and its mission?

LifeLine Malta is a pregnancy support centre for girls, women, and families who require practical and compassionate assistance. We offer a non-profit helpline operated by Life Network Foundation Malta, a registered pro-life NGO. We are a faith-based centre, but we do not impose our faith on anyone who seeks our help.

Our mission is to endorse every human life from conception to natural death. We aim to help empower people to make life-affirming choices. We offer confidential care and friendly support, a 24-hour helpline, and professional and skilled counsellors to all those in need.