If you’ve taken a pregnancy test and aren’t sure whether to trust the result, you’re not alone.
Maybe you have pregnancy symptoms, but your test came back negative. Or perhaps you received a positive result and are wondering if there’s any chance it could be wrong.
While home pregnancy tests are highly accurate when used correctly, they aren’t perfect. False positives and false negatives can happen, although one is much more common than the other.
Here’s what you should know about pregnancy test accuracy and what to do next.
False Negatives Are More Common Than False Positives
A false negative occurs when a pregnancy test says you’re not pregnant even though you actually are.
The most common reason for a false negative is testing too early.
Pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone your body begins producing after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Implantation typically occurs about 6 to 12 days after fertilization, and it takes additional time for hCG levels to build high enough to be detected.
If you test before enough hCG is present, the result may be negative even though you’re pregnant.
To improve accuracy:
- Wait until after you’ve missed your period to test.
- Use your first urine of the morning, when hCG is most concentrated.
- Carefully follow the test instructions.
- If your result is negative but your period still doesn’t begin, take another test in 48 to 72 hours.
If you’re still unsure after retesting, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider.
False Positives Are Less Common, but They Can Happen
A false positive occurs when a pregnancy test indicates you’re pregnant even though there isn’t an ongoing pregnancy.
Although this is much less common than a false negative, it can happen for several reasons, including:
- A very early pregnancy loss shortly after implantation (sometimes called a chemical pregnancy).
- Pregnancy hormones that remain in your body after a recent miscarriage or childbirth.
- Certain fertility medications that contain hCG.
- Rare medical conditions that affect hCG levels.
- Misreading an evaporation line on a home pregnancy test.
Receiving a positive pregnancy test can bring a wide range of emotions. If you have any questions about your result, follow-up testing and an ultrasound can help provide clarity.
An Ultrasound Provides Important Answers
Whether your pregnancy test is positive or you’re still uncertain after a negative result, an ultrasound is often an important next step.
A pregnancy test can only tell you whether hCG is present. It cannot tell you:
- Whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus, which rules out a potentially life-threatening ectopic pregnancy.
- Whether the pregnancy appears to be developing or if you’ve miscarried.
- Approximately how far along you are, which is important if you’re considering medical abortion, since it’s only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under.
If your pregnancy test is positive, an ultrasound gives you important medical information that can help you protect your health and understand your pregnancy before making any decisions.
Find Answers at Pregnancy Resources of Delaware County
If you’ve taken a pregnancy test and aren’t sure what your results mean, Pregnancy Resources of Delaware County is here to help.
We offer free, confidential pregnancy testing and free limited obstetrical ultrasounds for qualifying patients in a caring, compassionate environment. Our team is here to answer your questions, explain your results, and provide the medical information you need to understand your pregnancy and your options.
Whether you’re hoping for a certain result or simply looking for answers, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Contact Pregnancy Resources of Delaware County today to schedule your confidential appointment. We’re here for you.
Pregnancy Resources of Delaware County does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
