Could I be pregnant?
- If you've had sex, or if sperm has got near your vagina, it's possible.
- Once women start making eggs (ovulating) they can get pregnant.
- This can happen even before you start your periods. Girls younger than 10 have got pregnant.
- You can't get pregnant through giving your boyfriend oral sex (a blow job).
- See the pregnancy factfile for more.
- Remember: Up to five days after sex you can still use emergency contraception to stop yourself getting pregnant. See your GP, in confidence.
How do I know if I'm pregnant?
Missing a period is the most obvious sign but there may be others, like sickness, needing to wee more often, tender breasts, unusual vaginal discharge, tiredness or a metallic taste in your mouth.
You can't tell straight away if a sperm has fertilised an egg. It may take up to a week after sex for fertilisation to happen. And usually another week or so till your period is late.
What should I do if I think I might be pregnant?
- Get tested right away. It's best to have a pregnancy test done by your GP or one of the centres listed below, because it's free, confidential (they won't tell anyone) and expert staff are on hand to give you advice.
- Or you could buy a home-testing kit. These are usually very accurate and available from chemists and large supermarkets for a few quid. Read all the instructions and follow them carefully.
If the result is positive see your GP, whatever you plan to do. If the result is negative and you're relieved - see your GP and discuss contraception.
What if I am pregnant?
- Tell someone. If you can possibly tell your parents or carers, then do, you might be surprised at how understanding they are even if they're shocked at first.
- Always tell your GP who'll keep it totally confidential. GPs are only allowed to break confidentiality if they think you are in danger. You can also speak to staff at any of the centres listed below.
- The sooner you tell someone, the more options you'll have for your next move. And the easier it will be to think them through. You won't need to rush to make the right decision.
- If you are pregnant then the options you need to consider are: having an abortion, adoption, fostering, or becoming a mother. But get expert advice before making any big decisions.
Pregnancy myths busted:
I can't get pregnant on my period/the first time I have sex/if I wash afterwards/if he pulls out before he has an orgasm. Oh yes you can. And people do.
I have had 'accidents' before and never got pregnant. So I don't need contraception... You've been Lucky (capital L). Take no chances.
Further help and advice
Type in your postcode and find help in your area at ruthinking.co.uk
likeitis.org.uk or call 0845 300 80 90 (Mon-Fri 7am-10pm, Sat & Sun 8am-6pm) to find out how make an appointment at a Marie Stopes centre near you
brook.org.uk or call 0800 0185 023 (free) to find out how to make an appointment at one of their advice centres
fpa.org.uk/helpnow/
Childline are always there to talk about this or any other issue in total confidence 24 hours a day on 0800 1111
Written by Dr Melissa Sayer
Last updated 17th June 2007
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breanne, 15
this page helped me so much and now ill face the facts with a prego test even tho i keep tellin myself its not possible...
tasha, 17
All you young girls on her are strong and confident, dont let anyone critize you for having a baby, having sex, or even not using protection because that was your big girl deceision to make not there's. So all you young teens out there keep your intelligent heads up because we all know us GIRLS are smarter then boys. Remember dont let anyone pressure you into doing something you think isn't rigt.ALWAYS REMEMBER TO USE PROTECTION...WITH LOTS OF LOVE..TASHA
Amy, 18
I actually cannot believe how young you girls are, its not right that your having sex at this age let alone having babies, you are not yet old enough to understand how to take care of yourselves properly how are you suppose to look after a baby as well? Well good luck to you all anyway! My best friend had a baby pretty young and everyone tried to force her into getting rid of it, now she is a proud mum so just do what you feels right girls, but just be careful. I think i may be pregnant now, i dont know how im gonna cope if i am, and im 18, some of you are like 13!!! how do you all manage to do it!!!? Be safee girliesss x <3
sarah, 16
Be Careful Gilries... you all are young the have kids yet you all got your lifes ahead of you all. if you do want to have sex use a comdom because it's stop you get pergnant and get STI. sooo too all the grils out there look after your salfs.xxxx
Natalie, 20
Blimey you girls are really young. Look after yourselfs xx
amy b, 18
this website so good, but its a shame that all young girls are having kids when your just so young. ther is other ways of having fun than sex.x
Hannah, 15
at the end of the day you can all have a go at young girls getting pregnant, and even though its their own fault they dont need the judgement of everybody else so wish them good luck and hope they're happy :) xx
jade, 16
you're all so young!I think u should think about consequences before having sex..what the hell, use contraception!!!
issy x, 15
i think this kind of information is good for young girls that need help but are scared it should be more able to get to like more leaflets and things like that keep doing in helped me lots thank you X X X :-)
Tash
this page helped when i first realised i could be pregnant. me and my boyfriend are now proud parents or a healthy boy and everythings going fine.
Jazz, 18
Your All So Young.. Bless You, Be Careful Gilries x
Hannah, 16
I have to wait like another 2 weeks before I can take a test to find out if I'm pregnant. The past week has gone so slowly and I'm sure the next two weeks will feel like an eternity. I'm really scared but it makes me feel better that I'm not the only one in my situation. My advice to others: Don't do anything that could put you in this situation. It's not worth it! x
beth, 14
thank you this page. i found out that i was pregnant. this really help me to come to term with it. Thank you so much. XXX
katy, 15
god, your all so young! why are you even having sex?! i lost my virginty at 13 so i can't really say that, but it was with my boyfriend that i'm still with now so i'll never regret it. we both felt ready, & we were. we had a pregnancy scare once, but i wasn't as we've always used protection and since then i've been on the pill to. i can't understand why you girls arn't using contraception!
Tanya, 17
This page helped me face the fact that i was pregnant, it made me realise i was to young to know what i was doing(13) so the first person i knew i needed to get advice from was a mature woman (my mum) who went through what i am now she gave me the same great advice this page has.My son Callum is now 4yrs3mths and i no i made the right desicion by keeping him, my younger sister is now going through the same, i hope she takes my advice by looking at this site. Cheers for your help.
janey, 15
you girls are babies yourselves; let yourselves live and use contreceptions
natasha, 16
this pagehas helped me loads!! thanx
Melissa, 14
i arent pregnant or expecting to be like but i think this is a good signt to help people through tough times..xxx
Mary, 16
i;m having a baby and this information did help me when i had to tell my parents. it made me feel as if a huge weight had been taken off my shoulders.thanks
Lucy, 13
I think that this is a brilliant website!!!!It has been 10 months since I found out I was pregnant and I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy--- After reading this site I have realised that I should have used contraception when having sex with my bf---XxXxXxXxXxXxXx
Amy, 15
So many of you are pregnant so young! Your all like 13/14 its called Protection babesss x
Faith, 15
This page is really helpful. there's a high possibility i might be pregnant, so i think i'm going to book an appointment at the GP as soon as possible. thankyou.
xx, 7
this wesite helped me, thans
Lola, 14
I had a recent pregnancy scare because i got involved with drugs but thankfully i didnt have sex so I'm not pregnant! I'm so thankful but now i know that ive got somewhere to refer to and I'm off the drugs now!
Gail , 15
This has helped me so much.ThanksX
Anon, 13
My friend is the same age as me and she is pregnant. She really regrets it, but this page helped her face the fact that she was expecting. Thanks!!
Samia, 15
I sent this page to a friend and it really helped her come to terms with her pregnancy, and that she couldn't hide it forever!
Tyanna, 13
This has helped me so much. When i found out that I was pregnant I didn't know what to do, I am now 4 months pregnant and hoping for a baby girl. thanks! XxX
Pippa, 14
i'm preganant and this info and advice has really helped me get through this tough time,thanks.
Scarlett
I gave my friend all the info of here and it helped her discover that she was in fact pregnant and that she could speak to someone confidentially
onelife
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