I think I might be pregnant

In the very early stages of pregnancy, it’s hard to know if you’re pregnant or not. There are a few signs that may indicate pregnancy, but the only sure-fire way to know is to visit a doctor and have a pregnancy test.

This can help if:

• you think you might be pregnant

• the contraception you used didn’t work and you’re worried that you’re pregnant

• you want to help a friend who thinks they might be pregnant.

Physical signs of pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, it’s common to:

• miss a period, or have an irregular period

• feel tired and low on energy

• feel nauseous (with or without vomiting)

• need to wee more than usual

• have sore, swollen or tender breasts and nipples.

Remember that these things can all occur when you’re not pregnant, too.

How do I find out if I’m pregnant?

If you have more than a couple of the above signs and you’ve recently had sex, you should take one of the following steps to find out if you’re pregnant:

• Do a home pregnancy test. These are available from the supermarket or a pharmacy and usually cost around $10–$20. If the test is positive, make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible.

• Go to a family planning clinic. You can find a service near you on the Family Planning Alliance website. They can do a blood test to determine if you’re pregnant.

• Visit a GP, who can do a blood test to determine if you’re pregnant.

What should I do if I’m pregnant?

If your results are positive, there are a few next steps that you need to take.

• Talk to someone. This could be a trusted friend or family member, or a professional. There is help available through Family Planning Alliance Australia.

• Learn more about the options available if you’re not ready to have a baby right now. Talking to your doctor or Family Planning Alliance Australia is a good place to start.