Negative Pregnancy Test But Feel Pregnant – What To Do?

Have you ever got a negative pregnancy test but experiencing early pregnancy symptoms? Are you confused whether you are pregnant or not? This happens with most of the couples trying to get pregnant. After getting a negative test result, they often get obsessed with questions like – was it too early to take a test? Is the pregnancy test defective? And so on…

If you think you are pregnant but got a negative pregnancy result then below is the checklist to know if pregnancy test was properly executed…

• Have you taken the test using first urine sample in the morning? Because it has the highest hCG levels. If not then the pregnancy result can be inaccurate.
• Did you wait until you missed your period? Or at least until it has been 14 days since ovulation/conception? If you have taken the test earlier than this then probably the result will be inaccurate.
• Have you tried any other pregnancy test? It is always better to check with different pregnancy test because they have different sensitivity levels of hCG.
• Did the test work properly? Make sure to read the instructions very carefully. A simple mistake can also lead to inaccurate results.

What if I get a negative test but still feel pregnant? Is it possible to get a false pregnancy test?

A false pregnancy test can be devastating for any couple trying to get conceived. Fortunately, in most of the cases, false pregnancy test is very rare. However in some cases, it can happen. Below are few reasons for a false negative pregnancy test.

1. Low hCG levels:

For some people, hCG levels get slowly released. Due to this, it takes time for hCG hormone to reach the urine. In this case, a false pregnancy test is highly possible. So, it is always recommended to take a pregnancy test again after a week to get the accurate results.

2. Urine Evaporation:

After taking a test, if you have kept the pregnancy test aside for too long then before checking out the results then it can be inaccurate. Because the urine in the test can evaporate and the lines can also fade or appear on the pregnancy test kit. As per most of pregnancy kits, users are instructed to wait for 3 minutes and read the result as soon as possible.

3. Expired Pregnancy Test:

If the pregnancy test is expired then the chemical that helps to detect hCG doesn’t work. So, it can provide inaccurate results.

4. High-Dose Hook Effect:

High-dose hook effect happens when the hCG levels are too high that they are unable to bind with the antibodies. This effect results in a faint positive or complete no line in the pregnancy test kit.

5. A late Ovulation:

If you have irregular menstrual cycles then possibly you can have a late ovulation. So, this can make your conception date a bit late. If you got a negative pregnancy test then take a test again after a week.

Other Reasons for False Pregnancy Symptoms:

In some cases, the symptoms that often associated with conception can be caused by other health issues. We have mentioned them below…

1. Premenstrual or Ovulation Symptoms:

Few women experience several discomfort few days before period or during ovulation. Symptoms like nausea, tender breasts, cramps, bloating can also happen during ovulation or few days before period (PMS).

2. Flu or Any Other Illness:

Common cold, flu or any other illness can drain your energy levels which can lead to nausea, dizziness, exhaustion and other discomforts. It is better to talk with a physician if the symptoms stay for a longer period of time.

3. Stress and Anxiety:

Anxiety can also cause vomiting, nausea, cramping, mood changes and dizziness. Stress can also lead to anxiety. If you are dealing with stress daily then talk to your professional.

4. Ovarian Cysts:

Ovarian cysts are fluid filled bags formed on the ovaries. Symptoms associated with this condition are abdomen, tender breasts, nausea, and vomiting. They can be diagnosed by a professional with an ultrasound. Certain kidney diseases can also lead to changes in the urine texture affecting the result.

5. Other problems:

Even though you got a negative pregnancy test, if you are experiencing pregnancy symptoms for weeks then it is better to consult a doctor. As they can be caused by abnormal thyroid functions or low hemoglobin count. Hemolysis and lipidemia are some of the other issues that can cause other pregnancy symptoms.

Can a Blood Pregnancy Test be wrong?

A laboratory analysis of pregnancy hormone in the blood is the most accurate test. If the hCG level is below the mark then the result is considered negative. In very rare cases, a blood pregnancy test can be negative like…

• If the test is taken too early.
• Ectopic pregnancy – secretion of hormone is less or slow.
• Threatened miscarriage – hCG level drops before fetal wastage.

So, it is not recommend to rely only on the pregnancy test kits or blood tests. It is advisable to consult a gynecologist who will confirm the fetal development with an ultrasound. The ovum or the growing fetus can be seen in the uterus from 5^th week of pregnancy. From 6^th week onwards, the heartbeat of the fetus can be distinctively heard.

If you still have any questions, write to us in the comment section below. Our team of experts will clarify your concerns as soon as possible.