Early pregnancy testing

If you think you may be pregnant (for example, if you have had unprotected sex, your period is late or you have not taken or used your contraception properly) we can offer you a pregnancy test at one of our sexual health clinics. This test is free of charge, and your result will be completely confidential.

Our pregnancy test, like most pregnancy tests, works by detecting a chemical known as human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG. This chemical is essential to the development of a fetus. The level of hCG in the body increases as the pregnancy progresses. The pregnancy test usually becomes positive when the amount of hCG reaches a certain level.

If you are pregnant, our pregnancy test will usually show a positive result by the first day of your missed period. In some women it can turn positive a few days earlier. It is important, however, not to do a pregnancy test too early, because in early pregnancy the levels of HCG may be too low to be detected and the pregnancy test will give a false negative result. If you are unsure when your next period is due you should do a pregnancy test at least three weeks after your last instance of unprotected sex.

Early pregnancy test results

You will usually receive the result of your pregnancy test immediately and our highly trained and professional staff will be available to discuss the result with you should you wish. If your pregnancy test is positive, available options can be discussed (for example, antenatal care, continuing the pregnancy, termination or adoption). If your pregnancy test is negative, preconception counselling can be provided for those wishing to conceive, or contraception and safer sex advice can be given to those not wishing to conceive.

If you are pregnant, you may have been at risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection. We can provide a sexual health screen to confirm this and inform you of the possible implications of being infected with a STI during pregnancy, as well as how best to manage the situation.

You do not need a referral from your GP to have a pregnancy test, nor do you need to live locally.