Believe it or not, this isn’t an uncommon situation. Sometimes, women can feel pregnant before their pregnancy test can detect the hormone hCG, or for some reason, they need a blood test to verify pregnancy. 

Keep reading to learn steps you can take if you think you’re pregnant even after a negative test. You can also visit Clara Women’s Center for accurate pregnancy testing and in-person support and confidential conversation.

When Your Feelings Don’t Match the Results

Maybe you feel pregnant or think you definitely have to be pregnant without the results to show for it. Here’s how you can handle this situation and ensure you receive accurate results.

Wait a Little Longer

Due to the timing of ovulation or your period, the hormone hCG (which pregnancy tests look for) may not have risen to detectable levels yet.  

Test one week after your missed period. This should be plenty of time for hCG to rise and be detectable if you believe pregnancy is a possibility. Due to irregular periods, hormonal changes, stress, or illness, your period may sometimes be delayed.

Order a Blood Test

If the test is still negative a week after your missed period, ask a healthcare provider to prescribe a pregnancy blood test. Although urine pregnancy tests are 99% accurate, a blood test may be helpful in 1% of cases. 

Medical providers are usually happy to prescribe these for you, but often will suggest the urine pregnancy test is enough due to being 99% accurate. It’s up to you if you want one of these for extra confirmation.

Explore Other Reasons for Your Missed Period

Discuss with a healthcare provider the reasons why your period may be missing. Sometimes you might not ovulate for a month, or you could have an ovarian cyst or hormonal imbalance. 

If you suspect there could be something else happening with your reproductive health, talk with your healthcare provider.

At the same time, it’s important to acknowledge the mental connection with missing your period. If you’re feeling stressed that you could be pregnant, this can delay your period. Try to relax as much as possible to see if your period arrives naturally.

We’re Here for You During the Wait

Waiting to take a pregnancy test at the right time can make you feel antsy, nervous, and impatient. We’re here for you during the emotional waiting period.

Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential pregnancy test and speak with our knowledgeable staff. If your pregnancy test does turn positive, we can help you with complimentary pregnancy services and support as you evaluate your options.

Take a deep breath. You’ll know for sure very soon.