Maybe your period is late or your breasts are sore and tender. These might be signs that you are pregnant. The symptoms of early pregnancy are different for different people and can vary from pregnancy to pregnancy. That’s why it’s important to confirm your pregnancy as soon as possible.
Signs of pregnancy
Some people feel symptoms of pregnancy straight away after their missed period. Other people might not feel any different. The first signs that you might be pregnant are that:
you have missed one or more periods
you feel very tired
your breasts are sore or swollen
you need to pee a lot
you feel nauseous or like throwing up
Remember that if you need support or someone to talk to, our Sonder support team is available 24/7 to chat whenever you need it.
Pregnancy tests
If you think you might be pregnant, it’s important to have your pregnancy confirmed as soon as possible, so you can make choices about your pregnancy including your general health, diet and excercise.
Home pregnancy tests are available from most chemists and supermarkets. Home pregnancy tests are not 100% accurate so it is recommended that you see your local doctor if you are still unsure. A positive result is more likely to be correct than a negative one.
If you get a positive result on a home pregnancy test, book in to see a GP so they can confirm the result and talk to you about your options and what to do next.
Pregnancy choices
It’s normal to experience a wide range of emotions when you find out you are pregnant. You might feel happy, sad, angry, shocked, confused or even in disbelief – especially if you weren’t trying to have a baby. It can take a while for the idea of being pregnant to sink in and you might want to speak to your partner, your family members or a trusted friend.
If you are pregnant, you have the right to decide what happens next. You could choose to continue with the pregnancy or terminate it by having an abortion. Fostering and adoption are also options you might want to consider depending on your circumstances. Your GP can discuss these options with you. You can also contact the following services for more support and advice about your choices:
Continuing the pregnancy
If you choose to continue the pregnancy and have a baby, you’ll need to do the following:
Visit your GP or midwife, if you haven’t already, and go to any blood tests or scans they recommend for you.
Book into your local hospital or midwifery service by phone or online.
Look after yourself and your unborn baby by eating regular, healthy meals.
Consider taking folic acid (available in pregnancy vitamin supplements). Research has shown that extra folic acid, also known as folate, in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy dramatically reduces your baby’s chances of neural tube defects including spina bifida, a condition where the spinal cord doesn’t develop properly. However, it is impotant to talk to your GP about vitamins and minerals which are appropriate for you.
Talk to your partner and discuss your future plans as parents and do not be afraid to ask for any advice, help or support to guide you through this time.
If you drink, smoke or take drugs these can affect the health of your unborn baby. Quitting them suddenly can be dangerous though, so speak to your doctor or midwife about how you can do this safely.
Video: the importance of health appointments during pregnancy.
Building a support network
It’s also good to plan and build a support network. A support network can help you and your partner feel like you have practical and emotional ‘back-up’ as new parents. Surrounding your baby with positive, supportive relationships early in life will also be good for their brain development, social development, communication and more.
Your support network might include extended family, friends, people in your community, and professionals like your doctor and midwife. You can also ask a child and family health nurse or parent and family service to connect you with parent groups, playgroups and other supports.
If you are in an unsafe relationship, you might need extra support. Call 1800RESPECT at 1800 737 732 or go to Domestic Violence Assist here. Our 24/7 Sonder support team is also available to help you whenever you need it.
If you have any questions or need extra support, we're here to help you anytime in any language. Simply start a chat with us via the home screen of the Sonder app.
Image credit: jcomp at Freepik
All content is created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional.