Taking a pregnancy test can be nerve-wracking, and an unclear result can make the situation even more stressful. Whether the test shows a faint line, an error message, or conflicting results, it’s important to take the right steps to ensure clarity.
Here’s what you can do if your pregnancy test result isn’t clear.
Step 1: Read the Instructions Carefully
Pregnancy tests vary by brand, and small differences in usage can impact the accuracy of your results. Make sure you’ve followed the instructions exactly as written, including how long to wait before reading the test and how to interpret the result.
Step 2: Take Another Test
If your result is faint or unclear, consider taking another pregnancy test using a different brand or a digital test, which spells out the result instead of relying on line intensity.
Taking the test first thing in the morning when hormone levels are more concentrated in urine can also improve accuracy.
Step 3: Check the Expiration Date
Believe it or not, pregnancy tests can expire! If your test is past its expiration date, the chemical components needed to provide your result may no longer work properly, leading to a false or unclear result.
Step 4: Follow Up with an Ultrasound
Even if you get a clear positive result, a pregnancy test only tells you that hCG is present—it doesn’t confirm a viable pregnancy. The next crucial step is an ultrasound, which provides essential details about your pregnancy, including:
- Gestational age (how far along you are)
- Pregnancy location (to rule out ectopic pregnancy, which is life-threatening)
- Viability (to check for a heartbeat and confirm development)
Women’s Care Center is Here for You
If you’re facing an unclear pregnancy test result, Women’s Care Center offers complimentary, lab-quality pregnancy testing and follow-up ultrasounds to give you the clarity you need.
Our compassionate team also provides a safe, supportive space to help you understand your options and take the next steps with confidence.
Contact us today to schedule your confidential appointment!