If you suspect you might be pregnant, you should learn about the possibility of getting a false negative pregnancy test result; that is, when a pregnancy test comes back negative when you are actually pregnant.
Find out what causes false negative pregnancy tests and how common they are.
Home pregnancy tests indicate pregnancy through the detection of a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotrophic (hCG) in a woman’s urine. hCG is secreted by the embryo to control the mother’s reproductive system, maintaining secretion of progesterone and estrogen by the ovaries and promoting the changes in the mother’s body required to sustain pregnancy; this includes acting as a hormonal override to prevent menstruation and spontaneous abortion of the embryo during the first trimester.
Within a few weeks of conception, hCG levels in the maternal blood are so high that some is excreted in the urine, where it can be detected in pregnancy tests. When you pee on the pregnancy test stick (or dip the indicator into a cup of your urine) the test will indicate pregnancy only if there are sufficient levels of hCG present in the urine to cause the “positive” reaction.
Knowing when to take a pregnancy test is key to avoiding false negative pregnancy test results. Both doctors and makers of home pregnancy tests recommend that you wait until a missed period (or 19 days following unprotected sex) before taking a pregnancy test. However, if you can’t wait that long and have an idea of when you may have conceived, the earliest you can take a pregnancy test and get an accurate result is 14 days from possible conception.
Keep in mind that the sooner you take a test — especially if you’re testing before a missed period — the more likely you are to get a false negative pregnancy test result. With each day past conception, the hCG levels in the blood of a pregnant woman increase, making it more likely that a pregnancy test will be able to accurately detect pregnancy.
Nowadays, the urine-based pregnancy test you’d take at your doctor’s office is pretty much the same as the various brands of home pregnancy tests available online or at your local drugstore; both work the same way and have the same level of accuracy when used correctly.
While accuracy varies slightly from brand to brand, on average home pregnancy tests are 97-99% accurate, depending on when you take the test and provided the instructions are followed properly. Many kits now come with two tests in the event that you’ve made a mistake taking the test. When testing for both of my pregnancies, I always used Clearblue Easy Digital Pregnancy Tests ($16) which come with three tests in one box.
There are a few scenarios that can cause a pregnancy test to deliver a negative result:
The first (and most obvious) reason is that you are not actually pregnant. Non-pregnant women do not produce hCG, so if you are not pregnant there would be absolutely no hCG present in your urine for a pregnancy test to detect unless you recently gave birth, miscarried, or had an abortion; hCG can take up to three weeks to disappear from the bodies of women who’ve recently had a baby, and up to nine weeks to be removed from the body following a miscarriage or termination.
Most false negative pregnancy tests occur when a test is taken too early. As mentioned, if you are pregnant but have taken a pregnancy test before the levels of hCG in your blood and urine are past the threshold required for a pregnancy test to detect it, you will get a negative pregnancy test, and in this case, it will be a false negative pregnancy test. Try taking the test again in three days.
I actually had a false negative when I took a pregnancy test way too early when I was expecting my twin girls! When I took the test a couple of days later, the test was then able to detect the hCG being produced by my two little embryos and gave a positive result!
It’s also a good idea to take the pregnancy test first thing in the morning or wait several hours after urinating, when your urine is least likely to be diluted. If you’ve been drinking a lot of water or urinating a lot during the day, your urnine and therefore hCG levels might be too dilute for a home pregnancy test to detect.
Home pregnancy tests give very specific instructions on how to take the test and when to interpret the results for optimal accuracy. It is possible when taking home pregnancy tests to get a false negative result if you have not followed the correct technique; either you did not tip the stick well enough in your urine or did not hold it well in your urine stream.
It is also critical that you read the results during the window of time specified on the box. If you wait too long to read the pregnancy test result, the test will become invalid and may show a false result.
A negative pregnancy test can mean that you are not pregnant, you took the test too early, the levels of hCG in your urine have been diluted, or you took the test incorrectly. If you have taken several different types of pregnancy tests and received different results, it is recommended that you have a (more accurate) blood pregnancy test done to get a definitive answer to the question, “Am I pregnant?” These are available at your doctor or you can get Blood Pregnancy Tests at JustGetTested.com
Here are some of the other common early signs of pregnancy as well as conditions (other than pregnancy) which might be responsible for the pregnancy-like symptom you’re experiencing.
You'll be glad to know that stretch marks are purely cosmetic and pose absolutely no health risks whatsoever... but that doesn't mean we wouldn't like to prevent or banish them, does it? That's what I thought.
Stretch marks. Aside from the equally distasteful terms “cellulite” and “wrinkles”, these two words have the uncanny ability to make women shudder and cringe. But guess what? Like it or not, as with their aforementioned unpleasant friends, these streaky discolorations are a reality for most women at some point in their lives.
Skin — our largest organ, which so many of us take for granted — is composed of three strata: the epidermis (outer layer), the dermis (middle layer), and the subcutaneous stratum (innermost layer). Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the resilient middle layer that helps the skin retain its shape.
These cosmetic blights occur when expanding skin is stretched to its limit, losing its elasticity through rapid growth and/or weight gain; what you’re actually seeing are tiny tears in the connective fibers of the dermis.
While stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body where the skin has been stretched, they are most likely to appear in places where fat is stored. Due to the massive physical changes of pregnancy it’s probably no surprise that stretch marks are quite common during this life phase; about 50 to 90 percent of women will get stretch marks on their abdomen, breasts, thighs or buttocks during pregnancy.
Large fluctuations in your weight — either loss or gain — also affect the magnitude of stretch marks. So in addition to not being particularly good for your health (which of course is actually more important), you should avoid huge swings in your weight to prevent dramatic stretch marks.
Depending on your natural skin color, stretch marks begin as raised pink, reddish brown or dark brown bands that later turn a brighter violet or purple, or intense brown (for darker skinned gals). Over time, these vivid marks smooth and fade to a color a few shades lighter than your natural skin tone. They usually become less noticeable over time.
Genetics play a large part in determining whether or not you are predisposed to developing stretch marks. If your mother got stretch marks, chances are you’ll get them too. Ethnicity also figures in; women with darker skin are less likely to get stretch marks. Taking these factors into account, there are a few things you can do to decrease the odds of getting them.
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and keep your skin well-moisturized, as this will help your skin stretch without damaging the dermis. Many women swear by saturating their skin with intense moisturizers such as cocoa butter, vitamin E, wheat germ oil, and lanolin, or specially formulated stretch mark solutions such as Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil, Mama Mio Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Butter
, and Belli Pregnancy Elasticity Belly Oil
to prevent, heal and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. This strategy tackles the problem from the outside in, in an attempt to strengthen and repair the collagen and elastin production within your skin.
If you are really disturbed by your stretch marks, you can always go the high-tech route and look into plastic surgery or blue light therapy in an attempt to get rid of stretch marks. The most common high-tech treatment is laser surgery for stretch marks, which is actually an out-patient procedure used in the removal of stretch marks that has little to no recovery period.
The earlier you begin treating stretch marks — before they have lightened and flattened — the more likely you are to diminish their appearance later on. For example, products like Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy Advanced Cream Formula may be used to visibly reduce discoloration and smooth stretch-marked skin, and work best on newly formed stretch marks.
Prenatal yoga, walking, stationary cycling and swimming are great exercises to help you stay fit and strong, have a healthy weight gain, and look and feel your best throughout your pregnancy.
Find out which pregnancy fitness classes and prenatal exercises will help you look and feel your best by allowing you to maintain a healthy pregnancy weight, reduce stress, and even make for an easier birth and delivery.
There are definitely some exercises that are better for you than others while you are pregnant. Any exercise that could potentially throw you off balance enough to make you slip or fall is a big no-no.
Exercises to avoid after you are 12 weeks pregnant would include water and downhill skiing, horseback riding, outdoor cycling and rollerblading (there are more, but you get the picture).
Remember that your center of gravity has shifted so your body awareness may not be what it was. Your body is also producing a hormone called relaxin that helps to loosen up the joints in preparation for childbirth. Sudden movements or over-stretching could cause you to injure yourself thanks to your temporarily ultra limber joints.
Three of the best cardiovascular exercises for any fitness level during pregnancy are walking, swimming and stationary cycling.
Jogging is okay for those who have already been doing it, but for most people it will get quite uncomfortable as you get larger. Walking is great because it won’t jar your knees or ankles, and it will get you out of the house.
Swimming is awesome for cardio and it also feels incredible because you become almost weightless in the water — something you’ll appreciate more as the months go on. You don’t need to go up and down the lanes like a member of a master’s swim team. You can use a flutter board and leisurely set your own pace. Need a maternity bathing suit? The Isabella Oliver Maternity Swimwear Collection has several truly beautiful and comfortable swimsuits to help you look and feel your best while you swim.
Stationary cycling can be done by anyone even if you are pregnant. You may find it uncomfortable the last month or two before baby but it all depends where she is in positioned in your belly. As with swimming, some women continue to do this zero impact workout right up to their due dates.
Strength training is excellent for pregnant women who have already been using weights in their exercise routine, but it is not recommended that you start weight training when you are pregnant.
Important tips to keep in mind when lifting weights while pregnant:
Pilates can help you stay strong and energized while you’re expecting. World leader in pilates programs, Stott Pilates has developed an at home system called STOTT PILATES Pilates for Pregnancy Kit that has gentle workouts in comfortable positions to help reduce back pain and help you maintain strength and a healthy weight throughout your pregnancy.
Yoga is a fabulous exercise for anyone who is pregnant. Prenatal yoga
It is also important to pay attention to how you are feeling while you exercise. If you have any of the following symptoms while you’re exercising, stop immediately and contact your doctor or midwife.
Do not compare yourself to other pregnant women, especially pregnant celebrities with chefs and personal trainers and nannies. Just like your baby who is going to grow, walk and talk at different rates from other babies, your body is going to do what it does.
Some women gain weight quickly in the first three months and level off towards the end, others don’t put much on until near the end and then there are those who end up with just that little baby bulge and don’t gain an ounce anywhere else (not fair!). Realistically, most women are going to have to deal with the fact that we will put on some weight during pregnancy, no matter how active we were during the pregnancy.
It will likely be at least a few months or more after the baby is born before we can get out of maternity jeans, so relax and enjoy this phase of parenting, because once baby arrives…
Your chance of conceiving non-identical (fraternal) twins is increased if there is a history of fraternal twins among women in your family.
Three in every 100 women find themselves pregnant with twins, up from a rate of one in 100 only a generation or two ago.
There are several reasons why multiples pregnancies are on the rise. With more and more women delaying pregnancy well into their 30s and 40s, the incidence of non-identical (also known as fraternal or dizygotic) twins or triplets has boosted, thanks to age-related hormonal changes which can cause hyperovulationHyperovulation is the release of more than one egg during a single menstrual cycle. The increased use of fertility drugs and in vitro fertilization also greatly contributes to the increased rate of twinning currently observed.
While there are no factors that seem to increase your chance of having identical (maternal or monozygotic) twins — those conceived from one fertilized egg which splits into two embryos – your chance of conceiving non-identical (fraternal) twins is increased if there is a history of fraternal twins among women in your family. Twins are also more common in black women than white women, and less common among Asian and Hispanic women.
Some research indicates that folic acid supplementation — which is currently recommended for all women of childbearing age — may contribute to an increased chance for twins.
Exaggerated Pregnancy Symptoms May Suggest a Multiples PregnancyMothers of multiples may find that they experience increased or exaggerated early signs of pregnancy such as more severe morning sickness, indigestion, edema, increased weight gain, and large-for-date uterine size. However, these symptoms can all occur in a normal, healthy, singleton (one fetus) pregnancy.
Blood Tests May Suggest Twin or Triplet PregnancyAbnormal prenatal AFP (Alphafetoprotein) screening blood tests may also suggest a multiples pregnancy, as can elevated HcG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) levels in blood or urine tests very early in pregnancy.
More Than One HeartbeatIf your doctor or midwife suspects you may be carrying more than one baby, she or he may look for and detect more than one fetal heartbeat using a fetal doppler machine. Keep in mind, however, that the heartbeat of a single fetus can be heard from more than one location, meaning that this method only confirms twins, triplets (or more) if the heartbeats detected differ in rate. For this reason, the auditory detection of “multiple” heartbeats alone is rarely used to diagnose a multiples pregnancy.
Ultrasound Tests Can Confirm Multiple GestationsWith the advent of modern technology and prenatal care that includes ultrasounds, nowadays twins are rarely a birth day surprise and are almost always diagnosed well before delivery, during the first or second trimester of pregnancy; a multiples pregnancy is definitively confirmed with ultrasound, where sound waves are used to create actual images and/or video of the uterus, placenta, and baby or babies.
Early signs of pregnancy vary from woman to woman and even pregnancy to pregnancy. If you’re particularly tuned in to your body’s rhythms, you may begin to suspect you’re pregnant soon after conception.
Most women won’t experience any early signs of pregnancy until the fertilized egg implants into the uterine wall, on average six to twelve days after ovulation. Other women may notice no signs of pregnancy until a delayed or missed menstrual cycle, one of the most pronounced and significant symptoms of pregnancy.
Whether you’re trying to get pregnant, or trying not to, it’s important to understand indicators of pregnancy because each symptom may be related to something other than pregnancy.
Below is a list of some of the most common first signs of pregnancy — some of which may occur before a home pregnancy test can be used — letting you know that you may be on your way to becoming a mother. You may experience all, some, or none of these signs that you could be prego:
Admittedly it’s a cliché, but food cravings sometimes can be early signs of pregnancy. Don’t rely on a hankering for pickles and ice cream as a sure symptom of pregnancy – it may be all in your head, or even a sign that your body is deficient in certain nutrients – however, if cravings are accompanied by some of the other symptoms on this list, it could mean that you might be eating for two.
What else it could mean: Poor diet, nutritional deficiency, stress, depression, or impending menstruation.
If the skin around your nipples darkens, you may be pregnant, though this may also mark a hormonal imbalance unrelated to pregnancy or be a leftover effect from a previous pregnancy.
What else it could mean: Hormonal imbalance unrelated to pregnancy or may be a leftover effect from a previous pregnancy.
Implantation bleeding can be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy when, about six to twelve days after conception, the embryo burrows into the uterine wall. As a result of this, some women will experience implantation spotting – a slight staining of a pink or brown color – as well as some cramping.
You might mistake implantation bleeding for a very light period, as spotting can occur around the time you expect your period.
What else it could mean: Actual menstruation, altered menstruation, changes in birth control pill, infection, or abrasion from intercourse.
Once the embryo implants and begins producing the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the pregnancy-sustaining hormone secreted by the embryo soon after conception (usually around six to eight weeks after conception) you may find yourself running to the bathroom more often.
What else it could mean: Urinary tract infection, diabetes, increasing liquid intake, or taking excessive diuretics.
Feeling drowsy? No, make that absolutely wiped. High levels of the hormone progesterone experienced during pregnancy can make you feel as if you’ve run a marathon when all you’ve done is put in a normal day’s work. This hallmark of early pregnancy can appear as soon as the first week after conception (before a positive pregnancy test can be performed), but don’t necessarily assume you’re pregnant just because you’re feeling exhausted.
What else it could mean: Stress, exhaustion, depression, common cold or flu, or other illnesses can also leave you feeling drained.
If you’re pregnant, your breasts will probably become fuller and increasingly tender to the touch, similar to the way they may feel before your period, but more pronounced. These changes may begin as early as one to two weeks after conception.
What else it could mean: Hormonal imbalance, birth control pills, impending menstruation (PMS) can also cause your breasts to swell and become more sensitive.
As early as a couple of days following conception, you may begin feeling nauseated and queasy; it will often show up between two to eight weeks after conception. Despite the common name of this well-known sign of pregnancy (morning sickness) it doesn’t only kick in during the morning hours: pregnancy-related nausea can be present any time of day or night.
If you’re lucky, morning sickness won’t hit you until a few weeks after conception, and some women are lucky enough to escape it altogether.
What else it could mean: Food poisoning, stress, or other stomach disorders can also cause you to feel queasy.
Lower backaches and headaches may appear as early signs of pregnancy as a result of the sudden rise of hormones.
What else it could mean: Impending menstruation, stress, back problems, and physical or mental strains, dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, eye strain.
When you become pregnant, your next period should be missed, and a missing period is often one of the first signs of pregnancy experienced by women. Many women experience bleeding while they are pregnant, but usually the bleeding will be shorter or lighter than a normal period. If you have been sexually active, are late and usually experience clockwork visits from Aunt Flo, it’s worth trying a pregnancy test.
What else it could mean: Excessive weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal imbalance, tension, stress, stopping birth control pill, or breast-feeding.
A positive pregnancy test is the most definitive sign that you’re in the family way. You get a blood pregnancy test from online services such as JustGetTested.com or from your physician. And of course home (urine) pregnancy tests are available at most drug stores; there are early home pregnancy tests such as E.P.T Digital Early Pregnancy Tests
, which can give results as early as five days before a missed period, as well as traditional home pregnancy tests which recommend waiting to test until at least the first date of a missed period to ensure that adequate amounts of hCG.
Learn about when to take home pregnancy tests and false negative pregnancy tests >>
Even the most confident amongst us puzzles over what to wear, what not to wear and what maternity wear style rules to follow when pregnant.
“Try our personal style tips to make sure this very special time is just that… special, with you looking and feeling fabulous.” invite Vanessa & Baukjen the women behind your new pregnancy style staple, the Isabella Oliver maternity collection.
For many of us, pregnancy means great boobs without surgery! Make the most of your new assets with flattering maternity tops and dresses that draw attention to your dream colletage.
Try to choose maternity clothes made in soft comfy fabrics like jersey, as they feel fabulous, drape beautifully, blend easily with your existing wardrobe and grow with you.
Try to pick maternity clothes that make the most of your favorite features, show off your neckline, shoulders and cleavage.
Create a fuss free maternity wear wardrobe. Clean lines, good quality fabrics and classic pieces create an understated and undeniably stylish dress code.
Maternity clothes are no different to ordinary ones. Fit is paramount. Flatter your pregnant shape by accentuating your curves and celebrating your femininity.
Whether it’s your first baby or your last, this is a once in a lifetime moment. The rule is there are no rules. Experiment, be yourself, wear what makes you feel good.
Customize your maternity outfit with accessories to create lots of different looks for different occasions. Accessories such as colorful bags, a wide cuff, metallic sandals can really lift a basic outfit.
Why splurge on a whole new pregnancy wardrobe when you can invest in a few good essentials and combine them with existing pieces you own like your favorite shawls or cardigans draped open?
Don’t be fooled into going up a few sizes in search of perfect maternity wear style. The extra fabric may fit over your bump, but it’ll swamp all the other sexy parts of your body.
Maternity clothing can be a fun challenge. If you’re only looking to buy a few pieces choose solid colors that mix easily so people won’t notice you’re working with just a few items.
Your skin glows and your hair looks thicker and glossier than ever when you are pregnant, so make the most of it — with shoulder baring tops and sexy necklines.
Treat yourself to some feel-good pampering with a pedicure or manicure — sparkly nail art for parties or a clean look for everyday. Can’t reach? Ask a friend!
These fabulous maternity style tips have been picked from the brains of the team at Isabella Oliver Maternity, an online boutique for pregnant women who love clothes. Based in London, Isabella Oliver designer maternity wear oozes brilliant, easy-wear maternity clothing for pregnant women who won’t compromise their sense of style. Don’t worry if you’re not in the U.K. – Isabella Oliver has American and Canadian distributors.
Good advice for before and after your baby is born: a healthy, happy mommy makes a healthy, happy baby.
So, you’ve just found out that you are going to have a little bundle of joy. There is nothing cuter than a newborn baby, but until baby arrives you may be dreading putting on too much weight throughout those 40 weeks of pregnancy.
The only way you can avoid a drastic weight gain is to watch what you are putting in your mouth and by doing some exercise.
You may be surprised to find out that you only need an extra 300 calories a day while you are gestating your little bundle. Now that is not a lot of extra calories! No wonder the weight packs on when you decide to eat for two.
There are many benefits of exercising throughout your pregnancy. Exercise will keep your heart healthy, it will help you maintain your weight, and it will also help prepare the muscles for the hard work of labor and delivery. One of the greatest benefits of exercise, whether you are pregnant or not, is how it can make you feel good about yourself; and anything that can do that as your waist band expands can’t be all bad! Remember, always check with your doctor to make sure that your chosen exercises are safe during your pregnancy, and take it slow.
Exercising through your pregnancy is not about training for the Olympics. It’s about maintaining where you are right now. If you have been exercising for a period of time before the pregnancy you can maintain your program but don’t start anything drastically new until after baby arrives.
Don’t raise your internal body temperature too much because that will affect the baby – that means no hot yoga, ladies!
Ideally you want to raise your heart rate to about 60 percent of your max heart rate. A good rule of thumb is don’t go over 140 beats in one minute. A good measure is if you can’t carry on a conversation then your heart rate is too high.
Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids. Aim to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily and include more when you exercise. If you feel thirsty then you are already dehydrated, so drink even when you aren’t thirsty.
After the first trimester, avoid floor sit-ups or any exercise that requires you to lie flat on your back. These types of exercises can make you feel dizzy when you stand up, causing you to fall down, and they also can reduce blood flow to the uterus.
