Whats the chances of getting a false negative pregnancy test

Weeing on a pregnancy test is one hell of a ride. Waiting those ten minutes for the results can feel like a lifetime — and whatever you’re hoping for when you look at that test, it can make your heart skip a beat. 

Depending on when you have taken the test, it’s common to return a false-negative pregnancy test. The main reason this happens is usually that you’ve taken the test too early in your pregnancy. Indeed you may have a late period, but a negative pregnancy test can have you left scratching your head about where this leaves you. Keep reading as we break down everything you need to know about false-negative pregnancy tests. 

Is it possible to be pregnant and have a negative pregnancy test?

Getting a negative result doesn’t necessarily mean you are not pregnant; it just means that there wasn’t enough HCG in your urine to detect it at the point of testing. It’s often a good idea to wait a couple of days and try again.

On average, it takes between 7–12 days after implantation for HCG to be detectable in your urine. Generally speaking, a positive pregnancy test will be fairly accurate, but it’s always a good idea to follow up with your GP to confirm the results. 

What can cause a false-negative pregnancy test? 

You can still be pregnant and return a false-negative pregnancy test. This can happen because: 

• You’ve taken the pregnancy test too early. The earlier you take the test after a missed period, the harder it’s going to be to detect the pregnancy hormone HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin, which is produced by the placenta). The most accurate time to take a pregnancy test is one week after your missed period. For the most accurate result, ask your GP for a blood test. 
• You’ve checked the pregnancy test too soon. Follow the instructions for the exact amount of time you need to wait and then set a timer. 
• Your urine is diluted. The best time of day to take a pregnancy test is first thing in the morning when your urine will be the most concentrated. 

Negative pregnancy test but no period?

If you continue to return a negative pregnancy test but your period still hasn’t arrived, it is best to see your doctor immediately for further investigation. 

It is common for some women to just “know” they are pregnant before they have taken a test. This is usually down to a few common symptoms that occur in the early days, such as:

• You’ve missed your period
• You have cramping
• Your breasts are sore or tender
• You’re tired
• You’re nauseous and can’t keep food down

Or perhaps it’s just good old female intuition. But if you’re showing the signs of being pregnant, you had sex without contraception, or your period is late — and yet the tests are still telling you no, then it might be time to see a doctor.

Your doctor will assess your situation and may suggest you take a blood test to determine whether you are pregnant or not.

There could be several reasons your period is late, so your doctor will help determine the cause. 

Is there a best time of day to take a pregnancy test?

Home pregnancy tests have come a long way in recent years, but it is recommended for the most accurate result it is best to take the test in the morning — especially if you haven’t yet missed your period or are only a few days late.

You can take a test later in the day, but your chances of getting a false-negative are higher.

How accurate are pregnancy tests?

Pregnancy tests these days boast around 99% accuracy. However, it’s important to remember that this comes down to a number of the factors outlined above as well as how closely you follow the directions on the packet. 

If you’re certain you’re pregnant but still getting a negative pregnancy test, it’s best to put the pregnancy tests away and speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Save your money (and wee) and speak to a professional who’ll be able to help you.

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Home pregnancy tests are very accurate if done according to the package instructions and if completed at the right time, i.e. the first day after the period is due and onwards after that. However, to confirm a result, the best thing to do is to repeat the test three to five days after the first test.

Even though urine tests are usually accurate, there are other unexplainable changes to your menstrual cycle that can cause concerns and doubts with the result, like when your test is negative, but your period is still late.

The best way to confirm a suspected pregnancy is with a blood test that confirms the presence of bHCG hormones in the blood. However, below are some reasons why a home pregnancy test can show a negative result when you are, in fact, pregnant: 

1. Completing a test too early 

This is one of the most common reasons for a false negative test. Many women will complete a pregnancy test as soon as they feel symptoms of early pregnancy, like sore breasts or changes to vaginal discharge.  

However, the best way to guarantee a correct result is to wait for your period to be late, and then to do the test a few days later. This allows the body enough time to produce sufficient HCG hormones to be detected in a urine test. Read more about how to correctly complete a home pregnancy test.

2. Irregular cycles

When your menstrual cycle is irregular, negative pregnancy tests are actually more likely to occur. This is because, just like above, the urine test is completed too early, before a period is actually late, resulting in a negative test. 

If you cycles are usually irregular, you should only complete a test two to three weeks after your predicted period. You should track your period symptoms to have a better understanding of when your period is due to start. 

3. Ectopic pregnancy 

An ectopic pregnancy is a rare condition. It occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes. In these cases, the body takes longer to produce HCG hormone, and the result can appear negative even if fertilization has occurred. 

This type of pregnancy is a medical emergency that should be terminated as soon as possible, as it can cause serious damage to the woman’s reproductive system. A few signs that can indicate a possible ectopic pregnancy are intense abdominal pain, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, or feeling of abdominal heaviness. If you have these symptoms, proceed immediately to the hospital to confirm diagnosis and initiate treatment.

4. Breastfeeding

When a woman is breastfeeding, the body takes longer to return to its initial pre-pregnancy state.  Therefore, it is possible for a woman’s cycle to be irregular initially, even though she used to have a regular cycle before.

This may result in a false negative, as an expected period is not actually delayed yet, leading to an early pregnancy test. 

5. Expired or mishandled test

This may be the rarest cause, however it is possible that a pregnancy test has expired and no longer functioning properly. When a test is not used vy its valid date, the presence of HCG may not be detected, resulting a negative test.  

It is very important to check the expiration date on the package before using it. Additionally, if pregnancy tests are not stored properly, even though they are within the expiry date, they may not give an accurate result. For those reasons, if you suspect that the test is not reporting the correct result, you should complete another one. 

What can cause a delayed period

If your period is delayed and a pregnancy test confirms a negative result, you are advised to repeat the test in a few days. If the second test is still negative even when your period is still late, likelihood of pregnancy is low. There are many factors that can influence your cycle and cause a delayed period when you are not pregnant. 

Some causes of a delayed period are:

• Excess stress and anxiety;
• Practicing intense physical exercise for a long time;
• Thyroid problems;
• Very restrictive diets.

Learn about what else can cause a late period.

If your period is late and multiple home pregnancy tests confirm a negative result, you should consult your doctor to identify whether there is another factor influencing the delay. They may be able to indicate appropriate treatment based on the diagnosis.