If you received a positive pregnancy test followed by a negative test or a negative followed by a positive, we can clear up any confusion.
Keep reading to learn what these mixed results could mean and when it’s time to confirm your pregnancy with an ultrasound or visit a medical professional for further testing.
Alpha Omega Center is here to help if you’re in the middle of an unexpected pregnancy. Visit us today for free and confidential pregnancy testing in a confidential setting.
How Pregnancy Tests Work and Why it Matters
Pregnancy tests detect the presence of one hormone: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Your body begins to produce this hormone as soon as the fertilized egg implants into the lining of the uterus. However, it takes time for them to increase to detectable levels.
Because pregnancy tests work like this, as long as the control line is clear and valid (usually the first line on a pregnancy test) and you follow the instructions at the right time, the test should accurately show whether or not hCG is in your urine.
This means that conflicting pregnancy tests are descriptive of hormone changes. Here’s what different test results can mean.
A Positive Then a Negative Test Result
If you receive a positive pregnancy test result and then a negative result, it’s possible that you could have experienced a chemical pregnancy. This is a very early miscarriage within the first five weeks of pregnancy.
However, the timing of your second pregnancy test could also give you a false-negative result. If it’s early in your pregnancy, you should try to test in the morning when your urine is most concentrated. Being very hydrated during testing could dilute your urine sample and show a negative result.
If you receive a negative test result, you can test one more time in the morning or when your urine has been in your bladder for three hours, and you haven’t consumed excessive liquids. You can also visit our center for assistance.
If you likely miscarried, we recommend visiting your doctor as a precautionary measure to prevent complications like infection.
A Negative Then a Positive Test Result
If you received a positive result after a negative one, it’s possible that hCG levels were not high enough at the time of the first test. Now, since they are triggering a positive result, it’s likely that the levels have risen and you are pregnant.
This situation can happen when women use early detection tests. Even though these tests claim they can provide results many days before a missed period, their accuracy is often less than 99%. For example, Clearblue’s early detection test is only 77% accurate six days before a missed period.
After a positive test, it’s time to confirm your pregnancy.
Get Clear Answers at Alpha Omega Center
Visit Alpha Omega Center for a free pregnancy test and ultrasound to confirm more details about your pregnancy, such as how far along you are. We’re here to provide clear answers so you can take your best next steps.