The signs of pregnancy and negative pregnancy test

The signs of pregnancy: for women who have a regular monthly cycle, the earliest and most reliable sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Sometimes women who are pregnant have a very light period, losing only a little blood. Other signs of pregnancy are as follows:

• Feeling sick – you may feel sick, or even be sick. This is commonly known as ‘morning sickness’ but it can happen at any time of the day. If you are being sick all the time and cannot keep anything down, contact your GP.

• Changes in your breasts – your breasts may become larger and feel tender, like they might do before your period. They may also tingle. The veins may show up more and the nipples may darken and stand out.

• Needing to pass urine more often – you may find that you have to get up in the night.

• Being constipated.

• An increased vaginal discharge without any soreness or irritation.

• Feeling tired.

• Having a strange taste in your mouth – many women describe it as metallic.

• ‘Going off’ certain things, for example tea, coffee, certain smells or fatty food.

Pregnancy tests

Pregnancy tests can be carried out on a sample of urine from the first day of a missed period, which means that, if you are pregnant, you are about two weeks after conception. Some very sensitive tests can be used even before you miss a period.

You can collect urine at any time of the day. Use a clean, soap-free, well rinsed container to collect it. You can get pregnancy tests free of charge from your GP or family planning clinic.

Many pharmacists and most pregnancy advisory services also offer tests, usually for a small fee. You can buy do-it-yourself pregnancy testing kits from pharmacists. They can give you a quick result and you can do the test in private. There are a range of tests that are available. How they work varies, so check the instructions.

Results of pregnancy tests

A positive test result is almost certainly correct. A negative result is less reliable. If you still think you are pregnant, wait a week and try again or go and see a midwife or GP.

See your midwife or doctor as soon as possible if you are currently being treated for a long-term disease such as diabetes or epilepsy, or you have serious mental health problems.