Pregnancy

Is there a safe time of the month to have sex when you can't get pregnant?

In order to get pregnant, an egg needs to meet a sperm and the fertilised egg needs to implant in the womb. This will only be possible at certain times of the menstrual cycle. However, it is very difficult to predict when the fertile time is. 'Natural family planning' involves observing and recording natural fertility indicators such as body temperature on waking, cervical mucus, and length of menstrual cycle. It is not as simple as some people imagine and should not be relied upon without specialist advice.

Can you get pregnant if you don't have full sex?

Yes, there is a risk if sperm comes into contact with the vagina in any way, e.g. through sperm on fingers. Remember that sperm can be present on the penis as soon as it is erect, not just after ejaculation, so it is important to put a condom on as soon as the penis is erect, before any sexual contact.

How late does my period have to be to do a pregnancy test?

If you have a regular cycle, you can take a test as soon as your period is late (i.e. one day). If you don't have a regular cycle, it can be difficult to know when your period is due. In that case, you should take a test 3 weeks after having sex. That's roughly how long it takes for the hormone levels to show up on a test.

What other reasons might there be for my period being late?

Periods can be late for various reasons such as stress, change in diet or travel. However, if your period is late and you have had unprotected sex or your contraception has failed, then you should take a pregnancy test.

Where can I get a test done?

Free from your GP, at a family planning clinic or at Brook (if you are under 25). Or you can buy one from a chemist for about £9. Some chemists or women's centres can also do the test for you for a small charge.

The test was negative but my period's still not arrived, what should I do?

If your period has still not arrived a week after getting your first negative result, you should take another test.

I'm still having periods but I'm worried I'm pregnant because I feel sick and I've got other signs. Should I take a test?

Most women do not continue to have normal periods when pregnant. However, it is possible, though rare, to continue having periods while pregnant but the bleeding would usually be lighter and/or shorter than normal. If you are in any doubt, you should get a pregnancy test done at a local service, such as your GP or family planning clinic, or Brook.

I'm pregnant but I don't know what to do. Can you help?

It's important that you get advice on your options as soon as possible. If you're under 25, you can go along to your local Brook to talk to a counsellor.

You can also get advice from a family planning clinic or GP. You have the right to confidential advice on your options. If your GP has a moral objection to abortion, s/he should give you information about other doctors who can advise you. If you are not happy with the service that you receive, please contact us for details of other services.

I'm pregnant but I don't want to tell anyone, I don't want it to be happening.

If you're pregnant, it's not going to go away and it's important that you seek help and advice on your options as soon as possible to help you decide what to do next. Ignoring it will only make the situation worse. The earlier you seek help, the more options you will have. If you're under 25, you can see a counsellor in confidence at Brook, which means that no-one will be told about your visit unless you want them to be.

I'm pregnant but I've started bleeding. What should I do?

If you are bleeding and in pain, you should visit your GP immediately as this can be a sign of a miscarriage, or ectopic pregnancy, although slight spotting isn't usually a miscarriage. If you are in severe pain and bleeding very heavily then you should go to the Accident and Emergency department at your local hospital.