Finding out you're pregnant

Pregnancy signs and symptoms

You might notice physical changes within a few weeks of being pregnant.

The most common sign of pregnancy is missing a period, but this can be hard to notice if your periods aren't regular.

Other early signs of pregnancy include:

• feeling sick or vomiting (morning sickness)
• sore or bigger breasts
• feeling tired or dizzy
• food cravings
• mood changes
• a metallic taste in your mouth
• abdominal pain or bloating.

Learn more about common discomforts during pregnancy on the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website.

These symptoms aren't always related to pregnancy. They can happen for other reasons too, including perimenopause, or a medical issue that may need to be checked by your GP.

If you think you might be pregnant

Before you know for sure, it's a good idea to look after yourself as if you’re pregnant.

Your pregnancy can be confirmed by a home pregnancy test or through a blood test or urine test ordered by your GP. Once it's confirmed, it's important to follow up with your GP or another health professional. They’ll talk with you about your pregnancy, any risk factors, different types of maternity care and help you to make decisions.

Don't stop taking any prescription medicines before you talk to your GP.

If you can't get into a GP

Having a regular GP is better for ongoing care because they know your health history. If you don’t have a GP, you can search for one using the Healthdirect service finder. But if you can't access antenatal care through your GP, Queensland Health hospitals offer antenatal care, including appointments with obstetricians and midwives. Your care is free if you have a Medicare card. If you don't, you must pay for your antenatal care, including hospital stays, tests and ultrasounds. You can now refer yourself directly to these services, making it easier to get the care you need.

Unplanned pregnancy

Unplanned pregnancies can happen to anyone, and it's normal to feel a mix of emotions.

If you don’t want to be pregnant, you might feel overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next. The Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website has information:

• to help you decide what’s best for you
• about adoption and foster care and kinship care.

You can also choose to end your pregnancy by having a termination (abortion).

Family planning, support and advice

You can get family planning advice and counselling services through:

• your GP—find a GP in your area
• 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
• Children by choice—phone 1800 177 725
• Pregnancy Birth and Baby—phone 1800 882 436
• Lifeline—phone 13 11 14.

Queensland Health also has a list of sexual health clinics who offer:

• family planning and contraception information
• free condoms
• pregnancy tests
• discussing your options if you are pregnant.