Do you feel like you’ve been more dramatic than usual lately? Do you feel like you’re in an episode of an extreme reality show – morning sickness, craving weird combinations like chocolate pickles, and tearing up at every laundry detergent commercial? You grab a pregnancy test before you decide you’re completely insane and BAM! It’s negative. How is that possible when you have every symptom available to the contrary?
What could be the reasons for a false negative result?
First, let’s understand the mechanics of these little plastic gadgets. Pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG in urine. However, it can be just as hard to find as the perfect pair of jeans. Here are some possible reasons for a false negative result:
- Too early: If you’ve just missed a period and immediately rush to get tested, there’s a chance your hCG level is so low that even Detective Poirot can’t detect it. Give your body some time to realize what’s going on;
- Misuse: Even the most experienced can make mistakes sometimes. Read the instructions thoroughly. Morning urine is best as it is like highly concentrated coffee for the test – it works flawlessly;
- Diluted urine: if you drank more water before taking the test, your hCG may be diluted. Try not to drink so much before you finish this important task;
- Expired test: pregnancy tests also have an expiry date. Check that you are not using one that is already too old for the job.
Is it possible that we have mistaken the symptoms of pregnancy?
Let’s face it – sometimes our bodies like to play pranks on us. Many pregnancy symptoms can be easily confused with other conditions such as PMS, ovulation or even just stress. Here are some of the most common misleading symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting: if you wake up every morning feeling like you’re on a boat in rough seas, your first thought is probably “pregnancy”. Nausea and vomiting are indeed classic symptoms, but they don’t always mean you’re expecting a baby. Maybe you were too brave and ate at a highly questionable Chinese restaurant. Regardless of the cause, the feeling is the same – discomfort and sudden regret for all your food choices;
- Fatigue: Fatigue can be a sign of pregnancy, but the truth is it can be due to anything. You may have spent the last three days glued to the screen, devouring the new season of your favorite Netflix series. Or maybe you’ve been deep in work until midnight, chasing the eternal deadline. Whatever the reason, the result is the same – you feel like a zombie barely holding on to your feet;
- Appetite changes: suddenly you start craving the strangest combinations of foods you never even knew existed. You may be pregnant, or you may just have a very strange obsession.
What to do in case of a negative result?
First – do not despair. Wait a few days and try again. Hormones have their own schedule, which sometimes doesn’t match our plans. If you do get a repeat negative result, and symptoms persist, it’s time for a medical consultation.
- Tests: the doctor may do a blood test, which is more accurate than urine tests. Blood never lies, dear. In addition, blood tests can give information about your fertility and general health;
- Ultrasound: this is the surest way to diagnose if the test results are foggy like your Sunday memory after a night out.Ultrasound can show the presence of pregnancy even when tests cannot;
- Discuss symptoms: some symptoms may be due to other health conditions that require attention. For example, thyroid problems, hormonal imbalances, or even severe stress.
How to get a sure pregnancy test result?
If you want to get the most accurate pregnancy test result, follow these tips:
- Wait for the right time: it’s best to wait at least a week after a missed period to take the test. Hormones need time to build up to high enough levels;
- Use first morning urine: morning urine is the most concentrated and will give the most reliable results. This is because at night, when you don’t drink fluids and urinate, the concentration of hCG in the urine increases;
- Follow the instructions:Always read and follow the test instructions. Do not improvise – this is not a cooking show;
- Avoid drinking too much water before the test: to avoid diluting your urine too much. Diluted urine can reduce hCG concentration.
Remember – the pregnancy test is only the first step. If you have doubts or unusual symptoms, consulting a doctor is a must. Don’t let yourself get stressed – take care of yourself and be informed in every situation.
