Was that a second line, or were you imagining it? Should you trust a negative result when your period is already late? And what should you do if you’re not quite sure what you’re looking at?
Home pregnancy tests are supposed to answer one question, but occasionally they create a few new ones. The Hope Bridge Pregnancy Resource Center offers free pregnancy testing if you’d like to check your result and get your questions answered. Make an appointment today, and keep reading to learn why a home test can sometimes leave you feeling uncertain.
If the Line Is Faint
A faint result can be especially difficult to interpret. Pregnancy tests detect hCG, and its levels continue to rise during early pregnancy.
First, read the instructions for your particular test. Different brands display results differently, and the test needs to be read within the manufacturer’s stated time frame.
Also, look for the control indicator. If it’s missing, the test didn’t work correctly, and you’ll need to use another one.
If the Test Says Negative
Think about when you tested.
According to Mayo Clinic, taking a pregnancy test too early is one reason for a false-negative result. hCG may simply be too low for the test to detect yet.
If your period still hasn’t arrived, wait several days and test again. Using first-morning urine may also improve your chances of detecting hCG because the urine is typically more concentrated at that time.
If the Result Is Positive
A positive result usually means hCG was detected, but a home test still leaves some important questions unanswered.
For example, it cannot tell you how far along the pregnancy is or where it is located. The Hope Bridge offers ultrasound services to provide additional information after a positive pregnancy test.
An ultrasound will tell you whether the pregnancy is progressing, how far along you are, and where the pregnancy is located. A positive test only indicates a potential pregnancy, so receiving an ultrasound is a crucial part of this process.
When You’re Tired of Looking at the Test
You may have already searched for photos of faint lines online, retested twice, or counted the days since your last period more than once. At some point, another opinion is more useful than another round of guessing.
The Hope Bridge Pregnancy Resource Center is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free appointment and find out whether you’re pregnant.