Signs of Pregnancy
This section gives you advice on how to access and take a pregnancy test, what signs to look out for when pregnant as well as what to do if you find out you are pregnant.
Signs of pregnancy
Early signs of pregnancy
If you have a regular monthly menstrual cycle, the earliest and most reliable sign of pregnancy is a missed period.
In the first few weeks of pregnancy you may have a bleed similar to a very light period, with some spotting or only losing a little blood. This is called implantation bleeding.
Every pregnancy is different and not everyone will notice all of these symptoms.
Feeling sick during pregnancy
You may feel sick or be sick. This is commonly known as morning sickness, but it can happen at any time of the day or night.
Morning sickness symptoms usually start when you’re around 4-6 weeks pregnant
If you're being sick all the time and cannot keep anything down, see a GP.
You may have hyperemesis gravidarum, a serious condition in pregnancy that causes severe vomiting and needs treatment.
Feeling tired is common in pregnancy
It's common to feel tired, or even exhausted, during pregnancy, especially during the first 12 weeks or so.
Hormonal changes in your body at this time can make you feel tired, sick, emotional and upset.
Sore breasts in early pregnancy
Your breasts may become larger and feel tender, just as they might do before your period. They may also tingle.
The veins may be more visible, and the nipples may darken and stand out.
Peeing more often suggests pregnancy
You may feel the need to pee more often than usual, including during the night.
Other signs of pregnancy you may notice are:
- constipation
- more vaginal discharge (without any soreness or irritation)
Strange tastes, smells and cravings
During early pregnancy, you may find you no longer like some foods or drinks you used to enjoy.
You might notice:
- a strange taste in your mouth, which some describe as metallic
- you crave new foods
- you lose interest in certain foods or drinks you used to enjoy, such as tea, coffee or fatty food
- you lose interest in smoking
- you have a more sensitive sense of smell than usual – for example, the smell of food or cooking
If you're worried about any symptoms you're having, talk to a GP or your midwife.
If your pregnancy test is negative
A positive test result is almost certainly correct, as long as you have followed the instructions correctly.
A negative result is less reliable. If you get a negative result and still think you may be pregnant, wait a week and try again.
If you're pregnant, use the pregnancy due date calculator to work out when your baby's due.
Taking a pregnancy test
If you have missed a period and recently had unprotected sex, you may be pregnant. Pregnancy tests are most reliable from the first day of your missed period.
When you can do a pregnancy test
You can carry out most pregnancy tests from the first day of a missed period. If you don't know when your next period is due, do the test at least 21 days after you last had unprotected sex.
Some very sensitive pregnancy tests can be used even before you miss a period.
You can do a pregnancy test on a sample of urine collected at any time of the day. It doesn't have to be in the morning.
Where you can get a pregnancy test
You can buy pregnancy testing kits from pharmacists and some supermarkets. They can give a quick result and you can do the test in private.
The following places provide free pregnancy tests:
- sexual health services
- some young people's services – call the national sexual health helpline on 0300 123 7123 for details
- Brook centres for under-25s – find your nearest Brook centre
You may also be able to get a pregnancy test free of charge from your GP.
There is a helpful overview on the NHS website which takes you through how to take a pregnancy test as well as advice and support should you not wish to continue with your pregnancy, or are not sure. You can view this by clicking here
Finding out you are pregnant
See a GP or midwife as soon as you find out you're pregnant. It's important to see a midwife or GP as early as possible to get the pregnancy (antenatal) care and information you need to have a healthy pregnancy.
The NHS have created a helpful overview of all the things you need to know and consider once you have found out you are pregnant. You can view this by clicking here