Pregnancy tests are available from pharmacists, some supermarkets and other shops. They are not expensive and are easy and quick to use. Most are reliable from the first day of your missed period if used properly.

If you don't know when your next period is due, you should wait at least 21 days after you last had unprotected sex, or after you think you got pregnant.

Your body needs time to develop detectable levels of the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin), produced around 6 days after fertilisation, interrupting your normal cycle. 

If you need to talk, at HOPE we are here to listen and offer information, advice and help.