While taking a home pregnancy test is quite simple, sometimes the result can cause confusion. One typical situation is when a person gets a faint positive line. Even if the line is faint, it is likely that pregnancy has occurred.
Home pregnancy tests are a fairly accurate way to detect a pregnancy. Some tests are sensitive enough to detect a pregnancy up to 1 day after a missed period in some people.
In this article, you can find answers to some of the common questions about faint positive lines on home pregnancy tests.
There is a good chance that pregnancy did occur if a faint positive line appears on a home test.
Every pregnancy and pregnancy test is different. Some people have a noticeable dark line when they take a pregnancy test, while others notice more of a faint positive line. This is particularly true in early pregnancy when hormones levels are much lower.
Pregnancy tests measure levels of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG. The body produces more hCG after a fertilized egg implants in the wall of the womb.
Some medicines contain hCG as an active ingredient, and so taking these can potentially lead to a false positive test result.
Another possibility is a chemical pregnancy or very early miscarriage that occurs in the first 13 weeks after conception.
After a pregnancy loss, it takes some time for hCG levels to return to previous levels. Pregnancy tests measure hCG levels, and so taking a pregnancy test during this time will still give a positive result.
Only a doctor can work out whether a faint positive result is due to early pregnancy, medication, or a chemical pregnancy.
But, if a person gets a faint positive test result while they are bleeding, or they have a period, it may indicate a chemical pregnancy.
If a person suspects that they may be having a miscarriage or has questions about a faint positive pregnancy test, they should contact a doctor for advice.
An evaporation line is a type of false positive result that can occur with a pregnancy test.
If someone has left a pregnancy test for longer than advised, the urine on the stick begins to evaporate, which can cause the line to blur or look distorted.
In some cases, evaporation can make a single line resemble two different lines, giving a false “positive” result.
When taking a pregnancy test, it is essential that people read the instructions carefully. The instructions usually advise reading the results within a specific time after taking the test.
Learn more about evaporation lines here.
Once fertilization of an egg has occurred, and it implants into the uterine wall, the body begins to produce hCG. Home pregnancy tests detect the amount of this hormone that is present in the urine.
Immediately after conception, the hCG levels are quite low. In a healthy pregnancy, the levels of the hormone should double every 2 to 3 days.
While the line might be faint at the very beginning of pregnancy, as time goes on and the pregnancy advances, the line that the test produces should get darker and more apparent.
Share on PinterestA person should contact a doctor after a second positive test.A person who gets a faint positive home pregnancy test result should wait a few days and then repeat the test. If the test is positive a second time, they should call their doctor and schedule an appointment.
If the test is negative and the individual has had a period, it is likely that they had an early miscarriage or chemical pregnancy.
Early miscarriages are common and do not usually impact a person’s ability to become pregnant later on.
A person should always call their doctor with questions about a faint positive pregnancy test or if they are concerned about a possible miscarriage. A urine or blood test can always be done at the doctor’s office as well.
If someone is currently taking medication that contains hCG as an active ingredient, it may be best if they have a pregnancy test in the doctor’s office instead of using a home test.
Sometimes, people can experience some vaginal bleeding after having a faint positive pregnancy test.
If the bleeding is light or similar to a period, they should call their doctor. If the bleeding is very heavy, for example, more than a pad or tampon in an hour, they should go to the emergency room immediately for a doctor to do an evaluation.
A faint positive home pregnancy test result can mean several different things. It often means that a person is pregnant, but there are several other outcomes.
Anyone with a faint positive result should wait a few days and retake the test. As always, it is best to call the doctor with any questions or concerns.
Did you take a pregnancy test? Did it turn out to be positive? Are you spotting? Pregnancy can be scary, and it’s even more so if you start spotting. So, what does spotting in early pregnancy mean? Is it normal? Let’s look at some reasons you may be spotting during early pregnancy.
The most common reason for spotting could be a sign your body is starting to miscarry. For women who know they’re pregnant, about 10 to 15 in 100 pregnancies (10 to 15 percent) end in miscarriage. The majority of miscarriages happen in the first trimester. Yet, miscarriage in the second trimester (between 13 and 19 weeks) occurs in 1 to 5 in 100 (1 to 5 percent) pregnancies.
Just because miscarrying is the most common reason, there are other reasons you could be spotting like:
Reason #1: Infection
Bleeding can occur during a urinary tract, cervical, or pelvic infection. If this is the case, it would be a good idea to go to urgent care or your doctor.
Reason #2: Cervical sensitivity
If you notice light brown-tinged spotting, it may be due to a pelvic exam or sexual intercourse. If your cervix is sensitive, it can become tender and inflamed, which causes spotting. Yet, this kind of spotting should resolve with 24-72 hours.
Reason # 3: Implantation bleeding
When the uterus lining adjusts to the newly implanted egg, some women have reported bleeding. This appears six to twelve days after conceiving. This type of bleeding will go away on its own, and it is quite common.
Reason # 4:
Molar pregnancy
A molar pregnancy is a rare complication of pregnancy characterized by the abnormal growth of trophoblasts. Because molar pregnancies raise hCG levels, pregnancy tests still come back positive. If this is the case for you, early treatment is vital.
Reason # 5: Subchorionic hemorrhage
A subchorionic hemorrhage or hematoma can cause early pregnancy bleeding when blood accumulates between your uterine wall and the amniotic sac. Keep in mind; Subchorionic hemorrhage only happens to about 1% of pregnancies.
Reason # 6: Cervical polyps
Cervical polyps tend to occur in women in their 40s and 50s who have had several children. Cervical polyps can cause spotting during early pregnancy.
If your bleeding has stopped and you’re wondering what to do next, why not make an appointment at Pregnancy Resource Center? Sometimes, you just need to talk to someone about your options. Or, if need to verify you are still pregnant, call us! We can help. We know this can be a scary and uncertain time. Click here to make an appointment. Or you can contact us at 865-977-8378.
You are not alone. We are here for YOU!