Pregnancy advice and free testing
If you think you might be pregnant and your period is late, it is important that you do a pregnancy test as soon as possible.
When to get the test done
Most pregnancy tests state that they work as soon as a period is late (i.e. one day). Most women do not continue to have normal periods when pregnant but some may experience lighter/shorter periods. For women who do not have a regular cycle it can be difficult to know when a period is due. So it is best to take the test two weeks after having unprotected sex (as this is roughly how long it will take for the hormone levels to show up on the test). This will usually give you a reliable result – however if it is negative you should do another test at 3 weeks to be fully reassured.
A negative result means that you are probably not pregnant, but if your period still doesn't come, you should visit your doctor or young people's clinic. A positive result means that you are pregnant - this means you have a decision to make:
- You could choose to become a parent.
- You could choose to end the pregnancy by having an abortion.
- You could choose to have the baby adopted.
It is important that you get advice as quickly as possible, so that all of these options are open to you.
Where to get a test
You can get a free test done at any No Worries! young people's drop-in or sexual health clinic (PDF format). You can also speak to your doctor. All of these services will be confidential.
You don't need to cope with an unplanned pregnancy on your own. There are people who can help you think about your options, so do talk to someone. Contact one of the organisations below:
Pregnancy Advisory Service
Central Health Clinic, Tower Hill, Bristol BS2 0JD
Free NHS service that provides help with unplanned pregnancies and access to abortion. Mon-Fri Appointments only
Tel: 0117 927 6362
External Link: Pregnancy Advisory Service
Marie Stopes Bristol Centre
Unit 2 Gifford Court, Fox Den Road, Bristol, BS34 8TT
Pregnancy testing, abortion advice and help, and counselling. Marie Stopes is a registered charity, and does have to charge fees for services.
Information and appointment line: Daily 24 hours Tel: 0845 300 80 90 (local rate charge) External link: www.likeitis.org
Sex. Worth talking about - Confidential Helpline
If you are worried, a private chat with someone can really help. Sex. Worth talking about offers a confidential information and advice line.
Tel: 0800 28 29 30 between 7 a.m. and midnight, 7 days a week.
Calls are free from landlines and won't appear on the bill.
No Worries! is a South Gloucestershire scheme that makes it easier for you to get relationships and sexual health advice and services. Even if you are under 16, all of the services listed in the leaflet are free and confidential (unless you are at risk of harm).
South Gloucestershire No Worries! services leaflet (PDF format) - an up-to-date list of free, confidential local sexual health services that you can trust
