Nobody ever said conceiving a child was easy. If you’ve got pregnancy symptoms but a negative test, there could be any number of reasons. It all comes down to those lovely hormones, plus other external factors: Show
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Why do I have pregnancy symptoms but a negative test?So, what can cause pregnancy symptoms but negative tests? Let’s rule a few out first. My stomach looks like I’m pregnant but negative testThis one’s probably the biggest bugbear for women who aren’t trying to get pregnant! We’ve all heard the mortifying stories of being asked when the baby’s due…only for there to be no bun in the oven whatsoever. Let’s rule this one out – for starters, your bump does not start to show until the second trimester, around 12 to 16 weeks in. By this point, you’ll likely have experienced other symptoms such as morning sickness or missing your menstrual period. Bloating can be caused by many things including eating a large meal, consuming too much salt (causing water retention), or your menstrual period. Wait until your expected period date before taking a test.
113 women are talking about 'pregnancy symptoms but a negative test' on Peanut. Download the app to join the conversation. I have pregnancy symptoms but negative testIf you’re absolutely certain you cannot be pregnant, you may be experiencing symptoms of PMS instead. Two examples of this are breast tenderness and stomach cramping – the latter of which can be confused for implantation cramps. Again, wait a few more days for your period to start, and if it does not come, it may be time to take a test. I’m throwing up in the morningThe term ‘morning sickness’ is something of a misnomer, as some women report getting sick at all times of the day. In some cases, sickness can be quite extreme – the Duchess of Cambridge suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum, for example. Sometimes, sickness can be a symptom of other digestive issues, such as acid reflux or low blood sugar. Try avoiding large meals too soon before bed, and have a light snack in the morning to ease off symptoms. Can I be pregnant and still test negative?Of course, if you are trying for a baby, then you could in fact be pregnant – the results just haven’t shown up yet. There are many causes of a false negative pregnancy test: Taking the test too earlyWhile some pregnancy testing kits promise to give you results in the days leading up to your period, it’s best to wait until your period is due. This is because there will be higher levels of the pregnancy hormone in your urine, so don’t panic if you’re not seeing the results you need just yet. Taking the test at the wrong time of dayWhile there’s technically no ‘right’ time of day to take a test, the concentration of your urine can make a difference. It’s best to take the test first thing in the morning as this is when your levels of human gonadotropin will be highest in your urine. Throughout the day, they have the chance to be diluted by any fluids you drink. Taking the wrong type of testWhile most pregnancy tests boast accuracy of up to 99%, it’s important to choose the right brand and type. For example, if you struggle to point the stick underneath your urine flow, it may not take a correct reading. You might prefer a ‘BFP’ litmus paper test instead. If all else fails, doctor knows best! What can mimic signs of pregnancy?There are other bodily signs to be aware of that may mimic the signs of pregnancy. |