Pregnancy

These pages provide an overview of pregnancy from the perspective of your sexual health and contraception.

Worried?

if you have recently had unprotected sex look at your emergency contraception options
if you have missed a pill read here for how to stay protected
if you think you could be pregnant, order a free pregnancy test
if you have any bleeding or pain in pregnancy you should be seen and assessed urgently. You can either contact your midwife where you are booked. You can self refer at most early pregnancy units, or you can go to your nearest accident and emergency department.

Pregnancy testing

The only way to know if you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. This usually involves peeing on a small plastic stick, or into a clean cup and dipping in a test stick - follow the test’s instructions before reading the result.

Miscarriage

When someone loses a pregnancy naturally before the 24th week. Most miscarriages happen in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, sometimes before you even know you are pregnant. It is still unknown why miscarriages happen.

Abortion

‘Abortion’ is the term used when someone chooses to go through a medical process to end their pregnancy. It is also known as a 'termination' or a 'termination of pregnancy'.

During pregnancy - sex and STIs

Whilst you are pregnant you may feel differently about sex, and may experience tiredness and pain that make sex difficult. It is important to ensure you have an STI test prior and/or during your pregnancy.

After having a baby - sex and contraception

Choosing when to start to have sex and use contraception after birth can depend on, when you delivered your baby, your birth experience, how you’re recovering, and whether you’re breastfeeding.