Is it possible to get a negative pregnancy test

Q: Can I be 5 weeks pregnant and still test negative?

Yes, it is possible. Getting a negative result doesnt mean youre not pregnant, it may just mean your hCG levels are not high enough for the test to detect the hormone in your urine.

Home pregnancy tests are very accurate if done according to the package instructions and if completed at the right time, i.e. the first day after the period is due and onwards after that. However, to confirm a result, the best thing to do is to repeat the test three to five days after the first test.

Table of Contents Show

1. Completing a test too early
2. Irregular cycles
3. Ectopic pregnancy
4. Breastfeeding
5. Expired or mishandled test
What can cause a delayed period
Can a pregnancy test be wrong?
Could there be another reason for my symptoms?
Missed period
Tender breasts
Cramps or bloating
Morning sickness
Frequent urination
Can I be 5 weeks pregnant and still test negative?
How likely is it to get a false negative pregnancy test?
What can cause a pregnancy test to be negative?

Even though urine tests are usually accurate, there are other unexplainable changes to your menstrual cycle that can cause concerns and doubts with the result, like when your test is negative, but your period is still late.

The best way to confirm a suspected pregnancy is with a blood test that confirms the presence of bHCG hormones in the blood. However, below are some reasons why a home pregnancy test can show a negative result when you are, in fact, pregnant:

Polly Logan-Banks is an experienced editor with a keen interest in producing evidence-based content. Polly is passionate about ensuring that every child gets the best start in life.

Can I be 5 weeks pregnant and still test negative?

Yes, it is possible. Getting a negative result doesn't mean you're not pregnant, it may just mean your hCG levels are not high enough for the test to detect the hormone in your urine.

How likely is it to get a false negative pregnancy test?

“The false negative rate, if done appropriately, is less than 1%.” If someone waits until the appropriate point in their menstrual cycle and ensures that their urine is concentrated enough at the time of testing, then it's highly unlikely that an at-home pregnancy test will provide incorrect results, he explains.

What can cause a pregnancy test to be negative?

What causes a false-negative pregnancy test?.

Incorrect use of the pregnancy test. If you don't follow the directions on the package, the pregnancy test will not be set up properly to test your urine. ... .

Used the pregnancy test too early. ... .

Miscalculated menstrual cycle. ... .

Diluted hCG levels. ... .

Too much hCG in the urine..

negative pregnancy test