If no contraception was used or if the contraception has failed (e.g. the condom slipped off or broke) then a pregnancy may occur (when having penis-in-vagina sex).

A missed or late period is the most obvious sign of pregnancy, but it doesn’t always mean someone is pregnant.

Other signs of pregnancy may include: 

• sore breasts 
• breasts getting bigger 
• nipples getting darker 
• weight gain 
• nausea and vomiting 
• unusual tiredness 
• weeing more often.

If a young person thinks they might be pregnant, it is important to get confirmation of the pregnancy as early as possible.

A urine pregnancy test (which involves ‘weeing on a stick’) is quick and generally very accurate and can detect a pregnancy from around the time of the first missed period.

These are available at pharmacies and supermarkets but results should be confirmed by a health professional. 

If a young person has had unprotected sex, then an STI test is also recommended.

Sexual Health Quarters (SHQ) offers free, non-judgemental support including unplanned pregnancy counselling by phone or in person.