Pregnancy and what happens to your body

How will I know I’m pregnant?

What are the early signs of pregnancy?

There are several signs that you may be pregnant including tender breasts, urinating frequently, feeling queasy, or being sick, as well as feeling tired. It’s important to remember that not everyone experiences these signs and the most obvious indication you may be pregnant is a late or missed period.

How can I tell for sure that I’m pregnant?

If you think you might be pregnant, your doctor’s surgery, or local sexual health clinic will run a pregnancy test for you free of charge. If you prefer to find out privately, you may like to do a home pregnancy test. Kits are widely available in most larger supermarkets and pharmacies and if taken a week or so after a missed period will offer you a reliable result. If the result is positive you should then book an appointment with your GP who will ensure yours’ and your baby’s health is monitored.

How soon after sexual intercourse will it be before I know I am pregnant?

For an accurate reading, it is advised that a pregnancy test is done a week after you’ve noticed your planned period has not arrived. This will ensure the HCG hormones present when a woman is pregnant are sufficiently high enough to be recorded in a urine or blood sample.

What will happen to my periods when I become pregnant?

Once you become pregnant your body starts to produce the pregnancy hormone (HCG), and your periods stop.

Some women do continue to experience some light bleeding even when a pregnancy has been confirmed, often around the time that their period would have been due. This type of bleeding in early pregnancy is surprisingly common, but if you have any concerns you should chat these over with your doctor or midwife and always mention it during your anti-natal appointments.