Worried you might be pregnant?
If your period is late and you think you might be pregnant, it is important that you do a pregnancy test as soon as possible.
When to get the test done
Most pregnancy tests state that they work as soon as a period is late (i.e. one day). Most women do not continue to have normal periods when pregnant but some may experience lighter/shorter periods. For women who do not have a regular cycle it can be difficult to know when a period is due. So it is best to take the test two weeks after having unprotected sex (as this is roughly how long it will take for the hormone levels to show up on the test).
Where to get a test
You can get a free test done at any No Worries! young people's drop-in, No Worries! GPs and sexual health clinics (see 'Read more' section on this page). All of these services will be confidential.
You can also buy a kit from a pharmacy to test yourself. A negative result means that you are probably not pregnant, but if your period still doesn't come, you should visit a doctor or young people's clinic. A positive result means that you are pregnant, this means you have a decision to make:
- you could choose to become a parent
- you could choose to end the pregnancy by having an abortion
- you could choose to have the baby adopted
It is important that you get advice as quickly as possible, so that all of these options are open to you. You don't need to cope with an unplanned pregnancy on your own. There are people who can help you think about your options, so do talk to someone.
Who can I talk to?
Pregnancy Advisory Service
Central Health Clinic
Tower Hill
Bristol
BS2 0JD
Tel: 0117 927 6362
Free NHS service that provides help with unplanned pregnancies and access to abortion. Mon - Fri appointments only
Marie Stopes Bristol Centre
3 Great George Street
Bristol
BS1 5RR
Tel: 0845 300 8090
Pregnancy testing, abortion advice and help, and counselling. Marie Stopes is a registered charity and does have to charge fees for services. The information and appointment line is open 24hrs.
No Worries!
This is a South Gloucestershire scheme to make it easier for young people to access relationship and sexual health advice services. Even if you are under 16, all of the services listed in the leaflet are free and confidential (unless you are are risk of harm). You can access this leaflet in the 'Read more' section on this page.