Reasons for a Negative Pregnancy Test

If you get a negative pregnancy test but are experiencing pregnancy symptoms, such as a late period, you might be confused by the results. It turns out that there's several possible explanations for a negative pregnancy test, one of which is, of course, that you aren't currently expecting.

Ahead, we'll break down some of the reasons why your test might be appearing negative, and when it might be time to head to a health care professional for a second opinion.

Your Pregnancy Test Might Be Negative If You Are Not Pregnant

The most obvious answer may also be the most disappointing. If you feel pregnant—with symptoms such as breast soreness and unexplained nausea—it's understandable that you may have assumed you were pregnant. But, there may be other explanations for these experiences, including the possibility that your period might just be around the corner.

However, if you are suddenly experiencing abnormal periods accompanied by other symptoms, such as cramping or constipation, it’s a good idea to see a health care provider and have it checked out.

Your Pregnancy Test Might Be Negative If You Tested Too Early

While modern home pregnancy tests have a high level of accuracy, their sensitivity can vary in the early stage of pregnancy. Pregnancy tests are designed to detect the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This is the hormone produced soon after the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. While the body starts to produce hCG soon after implantation, it usually takes around two to three weeks for levels to be high enough for accurate detection.

If you are convinced you are pregnant and have simply tested too early, take a step back and retest in a week. Levels of hCG tend to double every two days, so the longer you wait, the more likely you'll receive an accurate—and hopefully positive—result.

Your Pregnancy Test Might Be Negative If You Had an Early Miscarriage

If you feel pregnant but had a negative test result, you may have experienced a very early miscarriage (also known as a chemical pregnancy). This occurs when there is a problem with the fertilized egg, most commonly a chromosomal disorder that makes the pregnancy non-viable. When the body detects this, it will spontaneously abort the fetus, often times before a person even knows that they are pregnant. Up until this point, however, symptoms of pregnancy may develop as hormones are steadily released into the system.

While an early miscarriage can occur in anywhere from 10% to 20% of known pregnancies, overall rates could very well be in excess of 50%. Miscarriages tend to be a one-off event; most people are able to achieve and maintain a healthy pregnancy in later attempts.

What About False Negatives?

False negative pregnancy tests can happen, and they're usually the result of a human error. Here are some common reasons for a false negative:

• Diluting your urine by drinking too much water before taking a test
• Not leaving the dipstick in the urine stream for the recommended time
• Using a test that has been exposed to excessive heat or sunlight
• Using an expired test

Lastly: sometimes twin or higher order multiple pregnancies, in which levels of hCG are very high, can cause a false negative pregnancy test. This is called the high-dose hook effect. It's unusual, but possible. if you miss a period and have pregnancy symptoms, see your doctor.

When to See a Health Care Provider

Whatever the results of your pregnancy test, you can get confirmation from a health care provider if you're not entirely sure the test was accurate. However, in most cases, know that home pregnancy tests are highly reliable.

Still, in some situations, pregnancy tests do give false negative results, so it is possible to be pregnant even if the test says you're not. A health care professional can tell you for sure, along with waiting a few days to test again.

If you're not pregnant but want to be, and have been trying for a year (or six months if you're 35 or older) , contact an OB-GYN or health care provider to discuss your fertility treatment options.