If you’ve recently taken a pregnancy test and aren’t sure whether to trust the result, you’re not alone. Many women find pregnancy testing at home confusing.
Maybe you received a negative result, but still feel pregnant. Perhaps you got a positive result and are wondering if there could be a mistake. When you’re looking for answers about a possible pregnancy, confusing test results can add even more stress to an already emotional situation.
The good news is that pregnancy tests are generally very accurate when used correctly. However, false positives and false negatives can happen in certain circumstances.
Read on to learn more about understanding false positives and negatives and what to do if you think you received one.
What Is a False Positive?
A false positive occurs when a pregnancy test indicates that you’re pregnant when you are not.
While false positives are relatively uncommon, they can happen.
Some possible causes of a false positive include:
- Reading the test after the recommended time window, causing an evaporation line to appear
- Certain fertility medications that contain hCG
- A recent pregnancy, miscarriage, or abortion that leaves pregnancy hormones in the body for a period of time
- Certain medical conditions that affect hormone levels
Because pregnancy tests detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), anything that causes hCG to be present in the body can potentially affect the results.
If you receive a positive result and have questions about its accuracy, follow-up testing can help provide clarity.
What Is a False Negative?
False negatives are actually more common than false positives.
A false negative occurs when a pregnancy test says you’re not pregnant even though you are.
This often happens because the test was taken too early. In the early days of pregnancy, hCG levels may not yet be high enough for the test to detect.
Other causes of false negatives can include:
- Testing before a missed period
- Taking the test at the wrong time of day
- Drinking large amounts of fluids before testing, which can dilute urine
- Not following the test instructions carefully
If you receive a negative result but your period still hasn’t arrived or you’re experiencing pregnancy symptoms, it may be worth taking another test a few days later. Since hCG levels increase rapidly during early pregnancy, a repeat test may provide a more accurate result.
Why a Pregnancy Test Doesn’t Tell You Everything
Whether your test result is positive or negative, it’s important to understand that a pregnancy test only provides one piece of information: whether hCG is present.
A pregnancy test cannot tell you:
- How far along you are
- Whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus
- Whether the pregnancy is viable
- Whether there are any medical concerns that require attention
That’s why follow-up care is so important after a positive result.
An ultrasound can provide critical information about your pregnancy that a pregnancy test simply cannot, and it can rule out potentially life-threatening conditions, like an ectopic pregnancy.
What Should I Do Next?
If you think you might be pregnant, the best next step is to seek confirmation from a trusted medical provider.
Whether you’re questioning a positive result, wondering if a negative result was accurate, or simply looking for answers, professional pregnancy testing and follow-up ultrasounds can help you understand what’s happening and what options are available to you.
The sooner you gather accurate information, the more prepared you’ll be to make informed decisions about your health and your future.
Free Pregnancy Testing and Support at Cleburne Pregnancy Center
At Cleburne Pregnancy Center, we understand how stressful it can be when you’re unsure whether you’re pregnant.
That’s why we offer free and confidential pregnancy testing in a caring, supportive environment. If your test is positive, we can also provide information about next steps and an ultrasound to help you understand your pregnancy and options.
You don’t have to navigate uncertainty on your own. Contact Cleburne Pregnancy Center today to schedule your free, confidential appointment and get the answers you need.