Can you get pregnant before your period?

Yes, it is possible to get pregnant before your first period.

Your body actually ovulates (releases an egg) about two weeks before your first period. That means you could technically get pregnant before your first period arrives, without ever having had one.

Once puberty has started, and you've noticed other changes like breast development, body hair, or vaginal discharge, your body may already be preparing to ovulate. You won't know exactly when that first ovulation happens because there's no obvious sign of it. The first period is the sign that ovulation already happened, about two weeks earlier.

So if you're sexually active or thinking about becoming sexually active and you haven't had your first period yet, don't assume you can't get pregnant. If your body is showing signs of puberty, pregnancy is possible.

If you've already started your periods, it's worth knowing that you can also get pregnant in the days before your period is due, depending on when you ovulated that cycle. Cycles aren't always regular, especially when you're young, so "I'm about to get my period" isn't a reliable form of contraception.

If you want to avoid pregnancy, use proper contraception. A GP or sexual health clinic can talk you through your options.

Yes, you can get pregnant before your first period.

Your body releases an egg about two weeks before your first period arrives. This means pregnancy is possible before you have ever had a period.

If your body is showing signs of puberty, like breast growth or body hair, it may already be getting ready to release eggs. You will not know exactly when the first one happens.

If you have already started your periods, you can also get pregnant in the days before your period is due. Cycles are not always regular, especially when you are young.

If you want to avoid pregnancy, use contraception. A GP or sexual health clinic can help.