Am I pregnant?

Finding out that you might be pregnant.

Everyone has different reactions to finding out they’re pregnant. Some people will be delighted, while others will feel shocked or worried - and everybody will need time to think and have access to accurate information about what to do next.

Brook offers advice and information on a range of subjects you might have questions about, as well as contact details for people who can support and talk to you during this time.

This NHS teenage pregnancy page provides emotional and practical advice to support teenagers who are pregnant. The page also includes a list of useful local and national organisations that can offer help and advice.

How does pregnancy happen?

To become pregnant, an egg must be released from your ovaries and then fertilised by sperm. Every month you release an egg (sometimes two) around 14 days after the first day of your period, or 10-16 days before the start of your next period. The egg travels down the fallopian tubes, which connect the ovaries to the womb. Once released, the egg lives for around 24 hours. This process is called ovulation.

Technically, a woman is more likely to become pregnant during ovulation, but it’s impossible to know exactly when you are ovulating because your menstrual cycle can vary each month.

Although this might make it sound like there is a small chance of getting pregnant, it is important to remember that sperm can live in your body for up to seven days.

Am I definitely pregnant?

You can buy a pregnancy test from a pharmacy, or you can ask for a test to be done at:

  • your general practice
  • a contraception clinic
  • a young people’s service (there will be an upper age limit)
  • a pharmacy (there may be a charge)
  • most NHS walk-in centres (England only)
  • a sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic.
Use Emergency Contraception

If you’ve had sex without using contraception, emergency contraception is available up to 5 days after unprotected sex, but the sooner you get it, the more likely it would be effective. You can usually prevent pregnancy by using emergency contraception if you act fast. Please see the emergency contraception page for more information.

Visit our Contraception page to find out more on how you can prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections STIs).

If you think you are pregnant and need to speak to a professional about your options, contact your local sexual health service using the details below. 

Getting support if you think you are pregnant