There are a number of common physical signs of pregnancy. There are many myths about getting pregnant; however contraception/ārai hapū is the the best method of avoiding an unintended pregnancy. Pregnancy tests are reliable and widely available. 

What are the signs of pregnancy?

Signs of pregnancy usually appear two to three weeks after conception. They vary, but may include:

• Your period is late or lighter or shorter than usual
• You are more tired than usual
• Your breasts are tender or swollen
• You need to urinate (pee/mimi) more than usual
• You have nausea or vomiting
• You have mood changes
• You crave some food and other food makes you feel sick
• You feel bloated or have period-like cramps.

To confirm you are pregnant, take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are reliable and widely available from:

• Shops like pharmacies or supermarkets
• Your nurse, doctor or midwife
• One of our clinics
• School or student health services
• Sexual health clinics.

If you are under 22 years old and a New Zealand resident, your visit to Family Planning is free. If you are over 22 and a New Zealand resident, and your pregnancy test is positive, your visit will be free.

Find out about Family Planning fees for non-New Zealand residents.

Pregnancy tests from supermarkets and chemists range in price from $8.00 to $30.00. They are reliable as long as you follow the instructions carefully.

Are pregnancy tests reliable?

Yes, they can be very reliable if you follow the instructions carefully.

Pregnancy tests don’t very often show a negative result when you may be pregnant. But if you do the test before your period is due it may give you a false result. Your results will show two to three weeks after the time the egg was fertilised.

What do I do if I think I am pregnant?

It is important to have a test to confirm the pregnancy and discuss your options with someone as soon as possible.

If you've had unprotected sex in the last three to five days you still have time to use emergency contraception.

BUSTING SOME MYTHS about getting pregnant

If you aren’t ready to get pregnant you should use the contraception method best for you. There are many myths about getting pregnant.

The truth is:

• you can get pregnant the first time you have sex
• you can get pregnant if you have sex while you have your period
• you can get pregnant even if you have sex standing up
• washing or squirting things into the vagina (sometimes called douching) will not stop you getting pregnant
• you can get pregnant if you have sex in the water
• you can get pregnant if your partner pulls out before they cum (ejaculate).