Two lines. About a thousand thoughts.

Period a bit late. Boobs a bit sore. Crying at an advert for car insurance. So you do a test, and there it is. Here’s what tends to happen in your head next.

1. Is it definitely positive?

1. Is that definitely a line?

You hold it up to the window. You tilt it. You take a photo and zoom in. Then you do another test, just to be sure. Maybe a third.

2. Oh. This is actually happening.

The moment it stops being an idea and becomes a person. Cue sitting on the edge of the bath for a while.

3. How exactly does it get out?

You know how babies are born. You just hadn’t thought about it applying to you, specifically, until about 40 seconds ago.

4. Are my boobs already bigger?

You check. They might be. They’re definitely sore.

5. I feel a bit sick.

Probably not morning sickness yet, though it can start early. More likely it’s the news. Give it a few weeks and it might be both.

6. So, no wine until next summer.

That one lands. Your midwife will tell you the safest amount of alcohol in pregnancy is none. On the bright side, nobody can judge you for a second slice of cake.

7. Is this payback?

Suddenly you remember every story your parents told about what you were like as a toddler. Karma has a long memory.

8. I can’t keep a houseplant alive.

How am I meant to look after a baby? Fair question. The answer is the same way everyone else does: one day at a time, with a lot of Googling.

9. Will I ever have a relaxing holiday again?

Relaxing, maybe not. Different, definitely. Packing will take longer than the flight.

10. We’re having a baby.

This one will keep creeping up on you. In the supermarket. At 3am. At the dating scan. It doesn’t really sink in for a while, and that’s fine.

Not feeling over the moon?

Not everyone feels pure joy straight away. You might feel shocked, scared, numb or unsure, especially if the pregnancy wasn’t planned. If you’ve been trying for a long time, had IVF or been through a loss before, joy and fear often arrive together. All of this is normal. Your feelings don’t have to be tidy.

If you’re struggling, or not sure what you want to do, your GP or midwife is a good place to start.

The worry nobody says out loud

For lots of people, one of the first thoughts is “what if I lose it?” It’s a very common fear.

Sadly, miscarriage is common too. Around 1 in 8 known pregnancies end in miscarriage, and most happen in the first 12 weeks. Most early miscarriages happen because the pregnancy didn’t develop properly. They’re almost never caused by anything you did or didn’t do, and can’t be prevented.

Tommy’s and the Miscarriage Association both offer support, whether you’re worried now or have been through a loss.

If you have experience of miscarriage, Tommy's the baby charity can offer you practical and emotional help.

Bleeding or tummy pain in early pregnancy? Call your GP, midwife or 111.