The only way to know if you are pregnant is to get a pregnancy test, but there are some early signs of pregnancy, and these are:
Missed period – this is probably the most reliable sign, but a missed period doesn’t always mean you are pregnant.
Tender Breasts – this may be a sign, but it may mean your period is on its way.
Morning Sickness – this could come at any time of the day or night.
Bloating – this could also mean your period is on its way.
Getting a pregnancy test
To find out if you are pregnant, a pregnancy test needs to be carried out. This is done with a kit that can test the presence of a hormone that is found in urine when a fertilised egg implants in the womb.
This test can be carried out accurately, three weeks after unprotected sexual intercourse or if you have missed a period and think you may be pregnant.
You can also buy pregnancy tests from pharmacies and supermarkets
What next?
Finding out you are pregnant can raise all sorts of emotions, you may have planned this, or you may not have. The important thing is that you have choice and support.
BPAS (British Pregnancy Advisory Service) or Alternatives Listening Rooms can provide free support.
If you are a partner to someone who is pregnant you can also access this free support.
Unplanned pregnancy is very common, around half of all pregnancies are unplanned.
You have choice and support, the key thing is to get support to make the right decision for you and your partner, if they are involved.
If the test is positive and this is what you want and expected you will be supported throughout the pregnancy by Tayside Maternity Services and can self-refer here
If the test is negative you may want to think about your contraception options.
If discovering you’re pregnant is not what you expected, you could decide to carry on with the pregnancy and have the baby adopted once it is born.
If you decide that adoption is right for you and your baby, a social worker will spend some time with you to help you with your decision.
The preparations for the adoption can begin before your child is born, but nothing will be definitely arranged until after the birth so you will be completely free to change your mind.
You might feel differently once the child is born and want to become a parent.
For more information you should discuss this with your midwife or doctor who will put you in touch with a social worker.
If you decide not to continue with your pregnancy you can self refer directly to the Termination of Pregnancy Service by calling 01382 496762.
The admin team will endeavour to answer your call however out with office hours Monday to Friday, and when the line is busy, the telephone will divert to a voice message advising you to leave your contact details. The mailbox is monitored throughout the day and your name will be added to the referral list and your call returned in the order it was received at the earliest opportunity so no need to call repeatedly.
The decision to have an abortion is not easy and it can be a very emotional time. Talking to people you trust and making sure you have accurate information and support can help. It is important that you seek advice as early as possible.
Miscarriage is the most common form of pregnancy loss, affecting around one in four pregnancies. You’ll find lots of information about miscarriage on the Miscarriage Association Website, along with links to relevant leaflets. The Miscarriage Association also provides information and support on two less common kinds of pregnancy loss: ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy.
NHS Tayside works closely with Alternatives Listening Rooms who provide a free counselling service both online and within rooms in Dundee. Please contact them for an appointment.
Pregnancy loss from 24 weeks onwards is referred to stillbirth. You’ll find more information about stillbirth HERE.
If you have experienced a pregnancy loss from 14 weeks gestation or neonatal loss within Tayside, and NE Fife you can be referred to the Neonatal and Maternity Bereavement Service.
Tel (direct): 01382 496515 (int. 36515)
*British Association Counselling and Psychotherapy
Pregnant & Under 25?
You are entitled to the same services as anyone else. There is confidential help to support you and to discuss your options around making the right decision for you, and if appropriate, your partner.
If you have had unprotected sex or you had a condom failure less than 5 days ago, you can get emergency contraception
Family Nurse Partnership
If you are under 19 you can be part of the Family Nurse Partnershipin Tayside. The Family Nurse Partnership is a Tayside wide service available for clients living within the Dundee, Angus and Perth & Kinross areas. It is a voluntary home visiting programme for all eligible first-time parents, aged 19 or under at the start of pregnancy. A specially trained Family Nurse visits regularly, from early in pregnancy until the child is two.
Pregnant & living with a BBV
If you have a blood borne virus and are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, you should always discuss this with your doctor to reduce any risks to your baby and to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy. It’s a good idea to start discussing your options with your doctor or other members of your healthcare team as soon as you start thinking about having a baby.
Contraception after giving birth
Your fertility can return quickly after giving birth and contraception might be the last thing on your mind but many unplanned pregnancies happen in the first few months after childbirth so even if you’re not interested in sex straight away, it’s best to be prepared. You can get more information and advice on contraception after giving birth HERE
