Dr. Orla Brennan
In personIMC verified
Pregnancy
Pregnancy may be suspected after a missed period, positive home test, nausea, breast tenderness or tiredness. A clinician can confirm pregnancy, check wellbeing and guide safe antenatal care.
When to get emergency care
Get emergency help immediately if you have any of these:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding, severe lower abdominal pain, shoulder-tip pain or fainting.
- Severe headache, blurred vision, swelling of face or hands, chest pain, breathlessness or seizure.
- Fever, severe weakness, painful urination, or persistent vomiting with very little urine.
- Fluid leaking from the vagina, severe back pain with cramps, or regular pains before the due time.
- Reduced or no baby movements later in pregnancy, compared with the usual pattern.
Get emergency help or call 112
Common causes
- A missed period after sex or contraceptive failure.
- Planned pregnancy or fertility treatment.
- Normal early pregnancy changes such as nausea, tiredness or breast tenderness.
- Hormonal conditions, stress or weight changes that can also delay periods.
- Ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage concerns when pain or bleeding is present.
What to expect at your consultation
- A clinician may confirm pregnancy with a urine or blood test and estimate how far along it may be.
- They may discuss antenatal visits, ultrasound timing, blood pressure, blood tests and warning signs.
- Confidential, respectful care should include questions about safety, support and existing health conditions.
Looking after yourself
- Book an antenatal visit early, even if you feel well.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol and unprescribed medicines, and ask a clinician before taking any medicine or supplement.
- Seek urgent care for bleeding, severe pain, fainting, severe headache, breathlessness or reduced baby movements.
Frequently asked questions
- How can pregnancy be confirmed?
- A urine or blood pregnancy test can confirm pregnancy. A clinician can advise on timing and next steps.
- Is bleeding in pregnancy normal?
- Any bleeding in pregnancy should be discussed with a clinician. Heavy bleeding, pain or fainting needs urgent care.
- When should antenatal care start?
- Book an antenatal visit as early as possible so health checks and planning can begin.
- Can vomiting in pregnancy be serious?
- Yes. Persistent vomiting with weakness, dizziness or very little urine needs medical assessment.
Not sure how urgent this is?
Answer a few questions and we will tell you how soon to be seen.
Check my symptomsWhich doctor should I see?
- Gynecologist Best fit for pregnancy confirmation, antenatal care and pregnancy warning signs.
- General Physician Can help with general health issues during pregnancy and coordinate referral.
Not sure? See a general physician
Related doctors
Verified profiles for pregnancy start with gynecologist.
Not sure which doctor fits? See a general physician
Follow your pregnancy week by week
See which antenatal appointments and tests you should be offered, when they are due, and the warning signs that mean you should be seen today.
Open the pregnancy companion