You said you had the withdrawal bleed? That is your period. You don't get a "real" period with the pill--it's only withdrawal bleeding. Sometimes it's very light because of the pill. Also, your pill break is supposed to be 8 days or did you stop before you'd finished the pack?

Start a new pack and continue on. Since you did bleed, I don't think you're pregnant.

Sniffles and a sore throat are not a symptoms of pregnancy. You may be sick and that may throw things off and make you feel bloated and tired. Take it easy for a couple of days and if you don't feel better, go see your doctor or pharmacist (I'm assuming you're from the U.K?)

Also, you titled your post "wishful thinking"? Do you want to be pregnant? If you do, why are you on the pill?

no came off the pill around 23rd - bled for a week after that, came off to "see what happens" and hope we get pregnant. No sign of AF now so not sure what to do??

p.s didn't take a break between last two packets - took one month then took a week of next pack as didn't want period on hols hence 5 weeks on the pill before coming off and the bleed

It's best if you don't stop a pack in the middle. You'll throw off your cycle. Next time, finish the whole pack before you go off for your period. This is especially true if you don't want to get pregnant next time. You may ovulate or you may not.

You probably aren't pregnant, but stay off the pill for a few months and you'll have a better chance. Don't get too anxious about it. Just have fun, relax, and it will happen when it happens.