Early signs of pregnancy

You might have signs or symptoms of pregnancy within a few weeks of becoming pregnant.

The most common symptom of early pregnancy is a missed period. If you have an irregular menstrual cycle it will be less obvious.

You may notice physical changes such as:

• morning sickness — nausea and/or vomiting that may come and go throughout the day
• sore or swollen breasts
• feeling tired
• dizziness
• food cravings
• needing to pass urine (wee) more often

You may experience several of these changes. It's also possible that you won't feel much different to usual.

If you have pregnancy symptoms that are bothering you, ask your doctor what you can do to feel better.

If you think you may be pregnant, you can check using a home pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests are easy to use. You can buy them at a pharmacy or supermarket.

My home pregnancy test is positive

If your home pregnancy test is positive, you should see your doctor or visit a family planning clinic for a blood test.

The blood test can confirm your pregnancy by measuring a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

Once they confirm that you are pregnant, your doctor will give you information about what comes next. They can give advice on the best ways to look after yourself and your baby during pregnancy.

My home pregnancy test is negative

If your home pregnancy test is negative, but you still think you may be pregnant, you can see your doctor for a blood test to check. Your symptoms may be due to something other than pregnancy.

To find a doctor or clinic near you, use the Service Finder tool.

While you are waiting to confirm whether you are pregnant, it's a good idea to behave as you would if you were pregnant.

This means you should:

• avoid alcohol
• avoid cigarette smoke or vaping
• eat a healthy diet
• take a folic acid supplement

Your pregnancy is counted in the number of weeks since the start of your last period.

Most babies are born about 38-weeks after conception. Since it is common to conceive (get pregnant) about 2 weeks after a period, pregnancy duration adds up to 40 weeks since the beginning of your last period.

Most babies are born between 37 weeks and 42 weeks after your last period.

If you have a regular 28-day cycle, you can estimate the due date for your baby by counting 40 weeks from the first day of your last period.

This may not be so simple if you:

• have long or irregular menstrual cycles
• don't remember when you last had a period
• became pregnant while taking contraception that affected your cycle

You can use our due date calculator to estimate your due date.

Unplanned pregnancies happen to people of all ages and backgrounds.

If your pregnancy is unplanned you may choose to:

• continue your pregnancy and become a parent
• plan for adoption or foster care after the baby is born
• terminate the pregnancy (abortion)

The sooner you find out if you are pregnant, the more time you have to think about your options.

It can be helpful to discuss your options with someone you trust, such as your partner, a family member or close friend. Your doctor or local family planning clinic can also give you information and advice.

You will want to think about:

• your personal circumstances
• what support you have available
• how many weeks pregnant you are

What is reproductive abuse?

Reproductive abuse is when you are not able to make your own choices about your reproductive system. This includes being pressured into decisions about sex, pregnancy and birth.

Some examples are:

• forcing you to become pregnant or have a baby
• pushing you to have an abortion
• stopping you from using birth control
• limiting your access to healthcare

Reproductive abuse can be a form of domestic or family violence.

Your doctor will always explain your options and tell you what you need to know so that you can give informed consent for healthcare.

Beyond Blue has more information about navigating pregnancy and your mental health.

You can get counselling and support for family violence from 1800Respect. They also have an

Family Planning Australia and Family Planning NSW have resources and support available about pregnancy and your options.

Languages other than English

You can get advice about how to take care of yourself

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

The Gidget Foundation Australia has resources and support about pregnancy and birth.

You can find more information about looking after yourself during pregnancy from The Royal Women&'s Hospital.