Finding out that you are pregnant, whether you have been trying for a baby or not, can come as quite a surprise - or even a shock!
This section will explain what happens and things to think about when you're first pregnant.
The NHS due date calculator can help you work out when you might expect your baby to arrive.
Signs and symptoms of pregnancy
For people who have a regular monthly menstrual cycle, the earliest and most reliable sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Some of the other early pregnancy signs and symptoms are listed below. Everyone is different and will not notice all of these symptoms.
Whether or not you've done a pregnancy test, you should see a GP or midwife as soon as you think you're pregnant.
- Feeling sick during pregnancy
You may feel sick and nauseous, and/or vomit. This is commonly known as morning sickness, but it can happen at any time of the day or night.
Around half of all pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting, and around three in 10 women experience nausea without vomiting. For most women who have morning sickness, the symptoms start around six weeks after their last period.
If you're being sick all the time and can't keep anything down, contact your GP.
- 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 taking place in your body at this time can make you feel tired, nauseous, 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.
Other signs of pregnancy that you might notice are:
- Constipation
- You may feel the need to pee (urinate) more often than usual, including during the night
- An increased vaginal discharge without any soreness or irritation
- A strange taste in your mouth, which many women describe as metallic
- Craving new foods
- Losing interest in certain foods or drinks that you previously enjoyed, such as tea, coffee or fatty food
- Losing interest in tobacco
- Having a more sensitive sense of smell than usual, for example to the smell of food or cooking.
Doing 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.
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.
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
- You may also be able to get a pregnancy test free of charge from your GP.
Booking your maternity care
If you would like us to care for you when you are having your baby, you can let us know by completing the self-referral form or find out more about our antental care.
