Pharmacy Services

Pregnancy Advice Service

Providing confidential support if you suspect your pregnant and giving expert advice for a healthy pregnancy.

Private and confidential pregnancy advice service

Have you missed a period and suspect you could be pregnant? Looking for expert advice on how you can enjoy a healthy pregnancy? Our Pregnancy Advice Service can help.

We offer a range of over-the-counter pregnancy tests, prenatal supplements and healthy lifestyle advice to keep your growing family healthy. If you need extra support, you can also get a private consultation with one of our pharmacists.

Pop into your local Whitworth Pharmacy to find out how we can support you and your baby during pregnancy.

Pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone that the body only produces during pregnancy. The hormone is released when the fertilised egg implants in your uterus.

When you buy your home pregnancy test, you’ll have a box that contains one or two test sticks (depending on which you buy). You simply pee onto this stick and then wait for the results to appear.

You should always check the instructions before testing as individual tests do vary.

Symptoms of pregnancy can include:

A missed or late period
A period that is much lighter than usual
Morning sickness
Fatigue
Tender breasts
Constipation or heartburn
Frequent urination
Increased vaginal discharge
Sensitivity to smells and tastes
Food cravings

The symptoms can vary from woman to woman and can start as early as six weeks into the pregnancy (six weeks after your last period).

You should wait until at least the first day after your missed period before using a home pregnancy test. If you test earlier, you may receive a false negative result.
If you’re unsure of the date of your last period, you should wait until 21 days after you had unprotected sex before testing.
Some pregnancy tests can be used earlier than this day. The FIRST RESPONSE™ Early Result Pregnancy Test and the Clearblue® Early Detection Pregnancy test can be used up to six days before your missed period.
Yes, most home pregnancy tests are 99% accurate when used as directed. A positive test is almost certainly correct because your body only produces the hormone hCG when you are pregnant.
However, a negative result is less reliable. If you believe that you’re pregnant despite a negative home pregnancy test, test again a few days later or visit your GP.
Your body will change during your pregnancy as you take care of your growing baby. You will need to pay close attention to your diet and lifestyle if you want to keep both you and your baby healthy. This includes:
Taking a folic acid supplement: All women should take a folic acid supplement of 400 micrograms per day to reduce the risk of their baby developing a neural tube defect such as spina bifida.
Eating a healthy diet: Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, healthy sources of protein and whole grains to provide your body with the nutrients it needs. It’s also best to avoid highly processed foods as well as certain foods not recommended during pregnancy.
Get regular exercise: You should stay active throughout your pregnancy to keep you fit and improve your chances of having a complication-free pregnancy and delivery.
Stop smoking: Every cigarette you smoke affects your baby and increases the chances of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, cot death and breathing problems. If you need help quitting, ask us about our free Stop Smoking service.
Quit alcohol: Alcohol can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weights and birth defects so stop drinking alcohol including beer, wine and liquor. Ask us about our Community Health Service and Alcohol Intervention Service if you’re struggling to cut down.
Check your medication: Some medications aren’t safe to use during pregnancy including over-the-counter medicines and those prescribed by your doctor. Speak to your pharmacist or your GP as soon as possible.
When will my cravings start?
Each woman’s symptoms of pregnancy are different and not all will experience cravings. They can begin at any time during your pregnancy and can include a wide range of foods. If you start craving strange things like coal or dirt, speak to your doctor.
Can I exercise during pregnancy?
Yes, you can safely exercise during pregnancy. Make sure you don’t overexert yourself or overheat. Drink plenty of water and make modifications as your pregnancy progresses.
What prenatal vitamins should I take?
The NHS advises that all women take a folic acid supplement. You could also consider a prenatal multivitamin that contains vitamin D. However, you should avoid products such as vitamin A (retinol) and fish oils as these can harm your baby’s development.

If you’ve missed a period or think you might be pregnant, then a pregnancy test can give you the answer you need. If you’ve discovered you’re already pregnant then our confidential advice service can support you and your baby. Visit your local Whitworth Pharmacy for pregnancy tests, prenatal supplements and healthy lifestyle advice.