What does a negative pregnancy test mean – and could it be a false negative?
The dreaded double line. The confirmation you never wanted. A negative pregnancy test can leave you with as many questions as answers.
But what if your test is lying to you? The elusive false negative can strike when a pregnancy hormone levels are low or haven’t yet reached detectable levels. Add in a trigger-happy bladder and you’ve got a recipe for test failure.
So what’s a hopeful parent to do? Don’t despair just yet. Wait a few days and try again. A late implanter or a test taken too early can be the culprit.
If you’re still in doubt, seek a blood test from your doctor. This can provide a definitive answer, even in the earliest stages of pregnancy. Remember, a negative test doesn’t have to be the final word.