{"id":182600,"date":"2017-08-18T11:45:41","date_gmt":"2017-08-18T15:45:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mommyish.com\/?p=182600"},"modified":"2017-08-18T11:57:22","modified_gmt":"2017-08-18T15:57:22","slug":"can-cause-false-positive-pregnancy-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mommyish.com\/can-cause-false-positive-pregnancy-test\/","title":{"rendered":"What Can Cause a False Positive Pregnancy Test?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re trying to conceive, there’s nothing more exciting than\u00a0a positive pregnancy test<\/a>. You did it, you’re pregnant! Unless you’re part of the unlucky minority who had a false positive pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests are 97% accurate, and while that’s not perfect, that’s still a pretty good average. A home pregnancy test measures the amount of\u00a0human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a woman’s urine. The pregnancy hormone is produced after a fertilized egg successfully implants in the uterus. “A urine test needs 50 units of hCG to test positive,” explains Daniel Roshan, M.D.<\/a>, an OB-GYN at Rosh Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Manhattan.\u00a0So what can lead to a false positive? There are actually a few different reasons for what can cause a false positive pregnancy test.<\/p>\n

1. Early miscarriage<\/h2>\n

Sometimes, a woman is pregnant when she takes a pregnancy test, only to have a heavy period a few days later. This is often the sign of a miscarriage, or chemical pregnancy.\u00a0A chemical pregnancy is an early pregnancy loss that occurs shortly after implantation.\u00a0Chemical pregnancies take place before ultrasounds can detect a fetus, but not too early for a pregnancy test to detect levels of\u00a0hCG.<\/p>\n

It’s estimated<\/a> that chemical pregnancies may account for 50% to 75% of all miscarriages.<\/p>\n

2. Medications and fertility treatments<\/h2>\n

Some medications<\/a> can lead to a false positive pregnancy test. If you’re taking anti-anxiety meds, anticonvulsants, antihistamines, or diuretics, these can all influence a pregnancy test. During fertility treatments, some women receive injections of hCG to stimulate ovulation. Anyone in this situation should ask her doctor how to properly test for pregnancy.<\/p>\n

3. User error<\/h2>\n

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It’s actually really important that you read the directions on a home pregnancy test. Some tests require the stick to be placed into the urine stream, while others need to be dipped into a cup of urine. Don’t test too soon! Tests are more accurate after a missed period. Also, pregnancy tests actually expire! Make sure you check the date on the box before you test.<\/p>\n

No matter what, if you get a positive pregnancy test you should make an appointment with your doctor. Only she will be able to confirm if you truly have a bun in the oven!<\/p>\n

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