A missed period might indicate you are pregnant, but there are other signs, such as sickness or feelings of nausea, tiredness and even constipation. But before you grab your mobile and tell your best friend, take a home pregnancy test. You can buy a home pregnancy test from your chemist or supermarket and even online but there are other signs, which some women experience earlier than their missed period, such as sickness, or feelings of nausea, tiredness, tender breasts and even constipation.

Read the instructions carefully to avoid a false reading – for example, if you wait too long, a line might appear that could be misinterpreted as a positive result. Also, if you take medication, bear in mind that this can affect the result. The best time to take the test is first thing in the morning, when your urine is more concentrated, ensuring a more accurate reading. If your test is positive, contact your GP to have the pregnancy confirmed.Some of the newer pregnancy tests which are now available can confirm your pregnancy and even detect how long you’ve been pregnant.

You have probably heard that having a baby is a life-changing event, but you might not realise what it actually means until now. All sorts of wonderful things happen to your body, but there may be some discomforts too. So feel free to ask your healthcare professional any question you might have, even if they seem unimportant - the more you know, the more in control you will feel. Being informed and in control will ensure a positive birth experience as you will know what to expect and which decisions to make.