When you're trying to conceive or newly pregnant, it's completely normal to have questions that feel a bit awkward. Whether it’s about sex, spotting, discharge, or early symptoms, lots of people feel unsure about what’s normal and what’s worth asking a midwife or GP. This blog answers those Google searches and quiet questions.
Can Certain Sex Positions Help You Get Pregnant?
There’s no clinical evidence that one position increases your chances of conception. What matters most is timing sex or insemination during your fertile window - the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself.
That said, some people choose positions where gravity may help sperm travel upward (e.g. missionary or lying on your back). There's no harm in this, but it's not essential.
Should I Lie Down After Sex?
You don’t need to lie down for a specific amount of time, but some people choose to rest for 10–15 minutes after sex to help sperm stay near the cervix. There’s no harm in it and if it makes you feel more in control, go for it.
But if you need to get up straight away, that’s OK too. Sperm can reach the fallopian tubes within minutes.
Can You Feel Implantation?
Some people report mild cramping, a pulling sensation, or spotting around 6–12 days after ovulation, commonly called implantation bleeding.
This is when a fertilised egg attaches to the uterus lining, but not everyone feels it. Spotting may be pink or brown, light, and short-lived, very different from a period.
If you experience heavy bleeding or severe pain, contact your GP or early pregnancy unit.
Is It Normal to Have White or Creamy Discharge?
Yes. In early pregnancy, many people notice increased cervical mucus due to hormonal changes. It may be:
- Milky white
- Creamy or lotion-like
- Odourless or mild in smell
This discharge is called leukorrhea and is completely normal. But if it becomes itchy, changes colour, or smells unpleasant, speak to your GP as it may signal an infection.
Can You Get a Positive Pregnancy Test Before a Missed Period?
Some sensitive home tests can detect pregnancy as early as 8–10 days after ovulation, but many people won’t get a positive result until the day their period is due or a few days after.
For the most reliable result:
- Use first-morning urine
- Wait until your missed period
- Repeat the test in 48 hours if unsure
What Does a Positive Test Look Like?
Even a faint second line usually means you’re pregnant. Pregnancy tests detect hCG, and a faint result just means the hormone is still low but rising.
If in doubt, test again in a day or two. If the line gets darker, that’s a good sign. If you’re unsure or concerned, speak to your GP.
Can You Be Pregnant and Still Have Bleeding?
Light spotting in early pregnancy is common and can be caused by:
- Implantation
- Hormonal changes
- Irritation of the cervix (e.g. after sex)
But heavy bleeding or clotting should always be checked. It doesn’t always mean miscarriage, but it’s best to get checked by your midwife, GP, or early pregnancy unit.
Why Do I Feel Like My Period Is Coming?
This is one of the most confusing early symptoms! Cramps, bloating, backache, and mood swings can all happen in early pregnancy and before your period making it hard to tell the difference.
Tracking your cycle and symptoms can help, but only a pregnancy test can confirm.
What If I Don’t Feel Any Symptoms?
This is totally normal. Some people feel everything – from nausea, fatigue to sore boobs, while others feel nothing for weeks. The absence of symptoms doesn’t mean you’re not pregnant. Everyone’s body responds differently. Your journey is valid, whatever it looks like.
When Should I Tell People I’m Pregnant?
This is entirely your choice. Many people wait until after the 12-week scan, but others tell close friends or family earlier.
There is no “right” time, just what feels safe and supportive for you.
Midwife’s Top Tips
- You’re allowed to ask “awkward” questions - we’ve heard it all
- Spotting, creamy discharge, or cramps may be normal - but always ask if unsure
- Faint lines usually mean yes, you’re pregnant
- Don’t stress about symptoms (or the lack of them)
- Your journey is yours - there is no “too early” or “too late”
Whether you’re weeks into trying or staring at a faint line on a pregnancy test, the questions you have are valid, no matter how small or strange they feel.
So go ahead: ask the questions. Google them. Talk to your midwife. You are not alone and there’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to understanding your body.
