Here, eight possible reasons, plus how to get a more accurate reading on your at-home stick. It’s probably an evaporation line if the line is completely colorless. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: Severe pain in your abdomen or pelvis while pregnant, Vaginal bleeding (that’s out of the ordinary), Any other symptoms that are making you feel worried. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. "The test can expire and the chance of having a false positive increases," Dr. Abdur-Rahman says. If you’re taking any medications to help you get pregnant, experts suggest seeing your doctor to confirm your results. An ectopic pregnancy isn’t viable since the embryo isn’t inside the uterus where it can grow and thrive. 7 Causes for a False-Positive Pregnancy Test Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — Written by Corey Whelan on May 10, 2017 Chemical pregnancy
One study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism estimates that it takes four to six weeks for hCG levels to return to normal after a person suffers a miscarriage. What Is A False Positive Pregnancy Test? Discover nearly 20 early symptoms, and find out…, Sometimes the act of getting pregnant ends up having very little to do with sex. False positives and negatives can occur for a variety of reasons. HCG is short for human chorionic gonadotropin, which the body produces during pregnancy. This type of ectopic pregnancy is also known as a tubal pregnancy. This can happen for a wide range of reasons. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. If you miss your period but get a negative pregnancy test, there are a number of possible explanations. Discover new workout ideas, healthy-eating recipes, makeup looks, skin-care advice, the best beauty products and tips, trends, and more from SELF. It’s sometimes caused by a chemical pregnancy. Get a positive result — or just simply confused about what’s going on? A blood test can detect hCG about 11 days after conception, and a urine test can detect it 12 to 14 days after conception, according to the Cleveland Clinic, although it varies—some tests can detect a pregnancy even earlier. Korin is a former New Yorker who now lives at the beach. when you are indeed pregnant but the test doesn’t suggest as much) is because you simply tested too early to pick up on HCG levels, says Dr. Knopman. It might be an incredible relief to find out you’re not pregnant. Does Having an Abortion Affect Your Future Fertility? Doctors refer to this early pregnancy loss as a chemical pregnancy. While most pregnancy test results are accurate, it can be hard to know right away if you’re dealing with a false-positive pregnancy test result.

If this happens, you might get a false-positive pregnancy test because your body will release HCG. Working one-on-one with a therapist, family member, or trusted friend can also be beneficial. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. If you’ve received a false positive, your doctor’s visit will determine that. Reputable home pregnancy tests can be highly accurate, but they aren’t foolproof.
If you take an at-home pregnancy test too early, it might not pick up the hCG hormone. You’re on fertility medications that raise hCG levels.