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Pregnancy testing

You can carry out most pregnancy tests on a sample of urine from the first day of a missed period. All pregnancy tests detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin [hCG]. We recommend pregnancy testing at three weeks from the last unprotected sex to absolutely exclude pregnancy.

If you are worried that you might have an unplanned pregnancy and you wish to consider your options you can access Sexual Health Services Nottingham & Nottinghamshire for testing.  If you are planning a pregnancy you can easily do a test at home and, if positive, see your GP for ante-natal care.

Pregnancy choices

If you are pregnant you may feel a whole range of different emotions. It is best, if possible, to try and talk these through with someone you trust, for example your partner, a family member or friend.

If you are pregnant you have three options:

• you can continue with the pregnancy and have a baby,
• you can have the baby and have it adopted,
• you can have an abortion (sometimes called a termination).

Whatever you decide, it is your decision.

If you are sure that you want to keep the baby, you should see your doctor as soon as possible to arrange ante-natal care and to talk about looking after your health during your pregnancy. 

If you are unsure as to what to do, specialist non-judgmental support and advice is available.  You can talk this through with your GP (if you feel able to) or with one of our specialist staff at Sexual Health Services Nottingham & Nottinghamshireto help you make your decision.

If you are sure that you want an abortion, you can either see your nurse or doctor at your local GP surgery or you can attend a Sexual Health Services Nottingham & Nottinghamshire clinic who will then refer you to the British Pregnancy Advisory Service.  This service is confidential, but if you are under 16 you are encouraged to bring an adult (someone over 18) who you trust when you go for your abortion appointment. For more information visit the BPAS website (external link).

Contraception

Unintended pregnancies can be prevented effectively by having a long lasting and reliable form of contraception such as the contraceptive implant, coil or injection. Sexual Health Services Nottingham & Nottinghamshire can help you choose the right contraception method for you. Find out more on our contraception page.