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What to do if…
a home pregnancy test is positive and you have concerning symptoms starting

Short answer

If you have severe or worsening tummy/pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, shoulder-tip pain, or you feel faint/dizzy, get emergency help now (999/A&E). If you have any vaginal bleeding, new pain/cramping, fever, or you feel unwell, contact your midwife/GP immediately (or NHS 111 if you can’t reach them).

Do not do these things

  • Do not “wait and see” if pain is severe, worsening, one-sided, or you feel faint, dizzy, very weak, or very unwell.
  • Do not drive yourself if you feel faint/dizzy, have severe pain, or are bleeding heavily—get someone to take you or call 999.
  • Do not take ibuprofen (or other NSAIDs) unless a clinician has specifically advised it in pregnancy. If you already took a dose, don’t panic—tell the clinician/pharmacist.
  • Do not ignore shoulder-tip pain (pain where the shoulder ends and the arm begins), collapse, or sudden severe tummy/pelvic pain.
  • Do not drink alcohol or take recreational drugs “to cope” with shock or pain.
  • Do not stop prescribed medicines abruptly unless a clinician tells you to—bring a list and ask.

What to do now

  1. Pick the safest route to urgent care based on symptoms (treat yourself as pregnant until a clinician confirms otherwise):
    • Call 999 now / go to A&E if you have a sharp, sudden, intense tummy/pelvic pain especially with feeling very dizzy/fainting, feeling sick, looking very pale/weak, shoulder-tip pain, heavy bleeding, chest pain, or trouble breathing.
    • Contact your midwife/GP immediately if you have any vaginal bleeding, new or increasing cramps/pain, pain on one side, fever, smelly discharge, or you’re worried something isn’t right. If you can’t reach them promptly, call NHS 111.
  2. Ask specifically about an early pregnancy service: if you’re early in pregnancy and have bleeding/pain, ask your GP/NHS 111 (or your local hospital switchboard) how to reach your Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit / Early Pregnancy Service in your area.
  3. If you’re bleeding, use a pad (not a tampon or cup) so you can track how much there is and give clearer information to clinicians.
  4. Write a quick symptom note for triage (1 minute): when symptoms started, where the pain is (one side or central), severity (0–10), whether it’s worsening, bleeding amount (spotting vs soaking pads), any dizziness/fainting, shoulder-tip pain, fever, vomiting/diarrhoea, and date of your last normal period (if you know it).
  5. Gather essentials for urgent care: the pregnancy test (or a photo), medications/supplements (and doses), allergies, your NHS number if you have it, and a phone charger. If possible, bring someone with you.
  6. For pain while you’re arranging care: paracetamol is generally the first-choice painkiller in pregnancy when used as directed. If pain is severe or worsening, don’t rely on painkillers—seek urgent care.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide anything today about the pregnancy beyond getting assessed for your symptoms.
  • You do not need to book antenatal care or calculate dates right now.
  • You do not need to work out the cause yourself (miscarriage vs ectopic vs infection vs something else)—that needs clinical assessment.
  • You can deal with messages, work, and family explanations later. “I’m having urgent symptoms and getting checked” is enough.

Important reassurance

It’s common to feel panicked or numb when symptoms start after a positive test. Some early-pregnancy symptoms and even bleeding can happen without a serious problem—but certain warning signs can be emergencies, and getting checked quickly is the safest move.

Scope note

This is first steps only—focused on immediate safety and getting the right level of urgent care. Follow-up plans and longer-term decisions come after you’ve been assessed.

Important note

This guide is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. If you feel seriously unwell, your symptoms are severe/worsening, or you’re worried about your safety, seek emergency help.

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