I think I'm pregnant

Early signs of pregnancy

The first sign of pregnancy is usually a missed period, but to know for sure, you'll need to take a pregnancy test.

You can buy pregnancy testing kits from your local pharmacy or supermarket. Alternatively, pregnancy tests are available at your GP surgery or at Brook Jersey (if you’re under 21).

If you think that you might be pregnant, go to your GP or Brook Jersey as soon as possible to find out for sure.

Whatever the results of your test, they can offer you help and support and explain your options and what the next steps will be.

Next steps after a positive pregnancy test

Your GP will inform the Antenatal Clinic that you're pregnant and schedule your first midwife appointment around nine to 10 weeks.

Check with your GP if you can access your maternity care with your GP and Community Midwives.

You will usually go in for your first scan at around 12 weeks pregnant. If you have any concerns before 12 weeks, you can contact your GP or the Antenatal Clinic.

Your antenatal appointment schedule

Folic acid

You should take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day until you're 12 weeks pregnant.

Folic acid is important for pregnancy, as it can help to prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects, including spina bifida. If you didn't take folic acid before you conceived, you should start as soon as you find out that you are pregnant.

Why do I need folic acid in pregnancy? on the NHS website

Telling your employer about your pregnancy

You must tell your employer about your pregnancy at least 15 weeks before the beginning of the week your baby is due.

If this isn’t possible, because you didn’t know you were pregnant, your employer must be told as soon as possible.

If you’re not sure you want to be pregnant

If you're not sure about continuing with your pregnancy, you can talk about this confidentially, even if you’re under 16, with healthcare professionals including:

• your GP
• a nurse at your GP surgery
• Brook Jersey
  

You have a number of options available to you:

• continue with the pregnancy and keep the baby
• have a termination of pregnancy (abortion)
• continue with the pregnancy and have the baby adopted

Healthcare professionals will not tell your parents if you’re under 16 and they will guide you through any decision you make.