A positive pregnancy test is exciting news for couples who have been trying to conceive. However, there may be instances where a home pregnancy test delivers a false positive result.

A false positive is an erroneous result that indicates a positive pregnancy test when a woman is not pregnant. Consider the following scenarios that may cause a false positive pregnancy test.

Incorrect Usage of Pregnancy Test

Home pregnancy tests are sensitive to the pregnancy hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) found in a woman’s urine. The accuracy of the test depends on how the test is used.

Performing a pregnancy test too early (before missed period or two weeks after conception) may yield a false negative or no results. Meanwhile, failing to follow the instructions carefully or misreading the results can cause a false positive. Reading the results after the recommended time limit may result in evaporation lines that may be mistaken for a positive result.

Presence of Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions may cause the presence of hCG in a woman’s urine, leading to a false positive pregnancy test. Trophoblastic disease, a rare abnormality in the placenta, may cause elevated levels of hCG in non-pregnant women.

Women who have been treated with fertility drugs for ovulation may have hCG remnants in their urine that may lead to inaccurate results. Additionally, women undergoing treatments for cancer or liver disease may also have elevated levels of hCG.

Medications That Affect hCG Levels

Some medications may also lead to the presence of hCG in urine, causing a false positive pregnancy test. These include certain medications used to treat infertility, such as hCG injections or clomiphene, which can both increase hCG levels.

Some tranquilizers and antipsychotic drugs and certain diuretics may also lead to elevated hCG levels that can cause a false positive pregnancy test.

Chemical Pregnancies

A chemical pregnancy, also known as a very early miscarriage, is a pregnancy that ends shortly after implantation. It may not always result in the usual symptoms of a regular pregnancy.

In chemical pregnancies, there may be enough hCG produced to trigger a positive pregnancy test. However, the pregnancy ends before it becomes detectable to an ultrasound. The pregnancy symptoms may be minimal, and the woman may experience some spotting and cramping that may be mistaken for menstrual symptoms.

Unfortunately, chemical pregnancies are not uncommon and can affect about 50% of all pregnancies, occurring before most women even realize they are pregnant.

Conclusion

False positive pregnancy test results can be both confusing and frustrating for women who have been trying to conceive.

It is essential to consult a healthcare provider to ensure that the test results and any underlying medical conditions are correctly assessed. While home pregnancy tests are convenient, they may not always accurately detect pregnancy. Knowing the various scenarios that may cause a false positive pregnancy test can help women make informed decisions and avoid unwanted stress and confusion.