The pregnancy tests detect the hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) levels in the blood or urine samples. And the presence of hCG will result in a positive pregnancy test. The female body produces hCG hormone just after the fertilized egg attaches itself to the wall of the uterus. HCG levels rise rapidly in the initial weeks of the pregnancy. There are two types of pregnancy tests: a blood test and a urine test. Most women opt for a urine test at home because it's easy to use and private. Still, a blood test is a better alternative as it's more accurate and allows for earlier detection.
Sample Positive Pregnancy Test Pics
1. Clearblue advanced pregnancy test with a week estimator
The test was taken 2 weeks after ovulation. She chose this test as it was the newest test on the market. She had used Clearblue tests for her earlier pregnancies as well. It was easy to use and understand the results.
2. First response, early response
The test was taken 26 days after ovulation. This particular test was chosen because it was ranked highest for the early pregnancy detection.
3. Clearblue digital test
The test was taken 8 days after ovulation. The test was chosen for its simple interface: it displays 'pregnant' or 'not pregnant.'
4. Clearblue Plus pregnancy test
The test was taken 12 days after ovulation. This future mom selected the particular test because it was easy to read. It just showed a plus sign for a pregnancy test positive and a dash-like sign for a negative result.
5. New Choice pregnancy test
The test was taken 12 days after ovulation. The user chose this test as it had good reviews while being affordable enough.
Faint Line on the Pregnancy Test: Pregnant or Not?
You are pregnant
- You are testing too early
There's a chance that you see a faint line if you test too soon. It happens because there's not enough hCG to produce a dark line right after the ovulation. But it still means that you are pregnant if there's a faint line. It's best to wait three days after a missed period to take the test.
- Your urine is diluted
Diluted urine may result in a faint line as the hCG isn't concentrated. It occurs most commonly when you take the test in the evening or at night. First-morning urine is the most appropriate urine sample for the test as the hCG hormone is present in high concentration.
- The test isn't sensitive enough
Most pregnancy tests are highly sensitive and can detect hCG levels as low as 15-20 mIU/L. These tests are only 60% accurate, which is why you must wait the right time to take the test or opt for a blood test.
- An ectopic pregnancy
Sometimes the embryo attaches itself outside the uterus. This phenomenon is called ectopic pregnancy. It's also called a tubal pregnancy as the embryo implants itself in the fallopian tubes. But an ectopic pregnancy can also occur in the abdominal cavity, ovary, or cervix. It's treated as an emergency as the embryo isn't viable and it's life-threatening for the mother in many cases. An ectopic pregnancy can lead to excessive blood loss and damage to the reproductive organs.
You are not pregnant
- A chemical pregnancy
You can see a false positive in the case of a chemical pregnancy. If a fertilized egg fails to implant itself in the uterus, then it can lead to a chemical pregnancy. The culprit may be fibroids, scar tissue, and low amounts of progesterone. Most of the chemical pregnancies go undetected as a normal period would occur in the same month.
- Recent miscarriage or abortion
If you have had a recent miscarriage or abortion, chances are that residual hCG is still in the body. It's because the hCG takes up to 6 weeks to diminish entirely after the abortion or miscarriage. In some cases, hCG levels may be higher due to residual pregnancy tissue in the uterus. If this happens, a surgical D&C (dilation and curettage) procedure is carried out.
- User error
A user error may lead to a false positive or a false negative. It's best to avoid any mishaps by checking the test's expiration date, testing at the right time, and following the instructions accurately.
- Medication
If you are on fertility drugs or have taken hCG shots, then the chance of a false positive is higher. There are some medications that might produce an effect similar to hCG. These are some of the medicines that may tamper with your pregnancy test results: Diazepam, Alprazolam, Chlorpromazine, Phenobarbitone, Bromocriptine, Furosemide, Methadone, Pregnyl, Novarel, etc.
Take Home Message
You must take the test at the right time: only the first urine in the morning. Also, check the expiration date of the test, follow the instructions precisely, and be aware of the medications you are taking. This ensures a high chance that if you get a positive pregnancy test, it isn't a false positive.