There are many signs of pregnancy, like a late period, cramps and tiredness. But the only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test. You can get one at a pharmacy or health clinic. They’re most accurate if you take them 10 days after you had sex.
To get pregnant a few things need to happen:
- You’ve started puberty
- You have a uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes
- Semen or pre-cum was near or in your vagina or front hole
If one or more of these hasn’t happened, it’s very unlikely someone is pregnant.
My period is late!
There can be lots of reasons for a late period! Late or early periods are really common. Especially if someone’s a teenager or has just started getting their period. Lots of people only get regular periods years after their first one.
Things like hormone levels, stress, birth control or exercise can all make someone’s period late. It’s even more common for this to happen in teenagers. Being stressed about pregnancy can also make your period late!
I got my period after having sex. Is there a chance I could be pregnant?
If you get your period, it’s unlikely you’re pregnant. But, sometimes people who are pregnant start spotting. This is when a small amount of blood comes out instead of a full period. Spotting can be a sign of pregnancy. Here are some ways to tell the difference between spotting and a period:
- There’s less blood and no heavy flow
- It’s a lighter colour
- It stops and starts
- It’s shorter than a period
If you have a period that’s similar to your other ones, then you’re probably not pregnant! But, if you’re worried you can always take a pregnancy test ten days after you’ve had sex.
What are the early signs of pregnancy?
The most common sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Other signs can take a week or two to show up. The early signs of pregnancy can also be signs of other health issues. They can also mean nothing at all! The only way to know for sure is by taking a pregnancy test.
Some common signs of pregnancy are:
- Sore breasts
- Tiredness
- Strong sense of smell
- Sensitive stomach
- Needing to pee often
- Backaches
- Cramps
- Constipation
- Bloating
Most of these symptoms take a couple weeks to appear. They don’t show up right after having sex. If you have some of these symptoms it can also mean you have a change in your hormones that has nothing to do with pregnancy.
Where can I get a pregnancy test?
You can get a pregnancy test from a pharmacy. They’re usually in the family planning isle. They cost around 15-20$. You can also get tests for cheaper at a dollar store.
You can buy a pregnancy test no matter how old you are! If you don’t feel comfortable buying one for yourself you can always ask a sibling or friend. You can also pretend it’s for someone else!
You can also visit a clinic or CLSC to take a pregnancy test with a nurse. If you have RAMQ health insurance you can take the test for free. If you’re over 14 a nurse can give you a pregnancy test without telling a guardian. You can call 811 or Info Santé to find the nearest CLSC.
How do I take a pregnancy test?
The best time to take a pregnancy test is after you missed your period. Some tests work 10 days after having sex, but they’re most accurate if you take them after a missed period.
If you take test before 10 days the hormones that show pregnancy won’t be in your body yet. So, the test might say someone’s not pregnant when they are. If you take a pregnancy test after your period is late, it’ll be right 97% of the time!
Usually, to take a pregnancy test you have to pee on part of the stick and then lay it down on a flat surface. It can take 3-5 minutes for the results to show. Lots of tests use a + to show pregnancy and a – to show not pregnant. But, some tests are different so you can read the instructions to know the best way to use it.
Before taking a test it can help to have a plan in case you need support after. You can talk to a friend or call a youth hotline line Tel-Jeunes.
I got a positive pregnancy test, what should I do now?
If you get a positive test result, you can make an appointment with a doctor or in a clinic. They’ll be able to tell you if you’re pregnant for sure and give you options.
You can decide to stay pregnant and parent the child or set up an adoption. You can also chose to end your pregnancy with an abortion. A doctor can help you with any next steps for any option you chose. This kind of decision can be hard to make so it can help to talk to people you trust or look for mental health support.
