You’re nauseous, exhausted, and your breasts are sore — but the pregnancy test says no.
Here are 10 possible explanations that could make that negative line a little less confusing.
You’re testing too early
Even though many tests claim they can detect pregnancy before your missed period, they’re not always accurate that soon.
If you test too early, there might not be enough pregnancy hormone (hCG) in your urine to trigger a positive. Wait a few more days and test again.
Your hormone levels are too low
If you’ve waited until after your missed period and still get a negative result, your hCG levels might still be too low — especially if you test later in the day when your urine is diluted.
For the most accurate result, test first thing in the morning using your most concentrated urine.
You’re overhydrated
Drinking lots of water is great — until it’s not. Too much fluid dilutes your urine, which can lower the hCG concentration.
If you’re sipping constantly, consider easing up the night before or the morning of your test to avoid a false negative.
You used the test incorrectly
Home pregnancy tests seem straightforward, but every brand is a little different.
Not following the instructions — like misplacing urine, not laying the test flat, or waiting too long to read the result — can affect your outcome.
Always follow the directions precisely.
The test is faulty
Like any manufactured product, pregnancy tests can have defects. They might be expired, damaged during shipping, or just poorly made.
If something feels off or the test looks strange, buy a fresh one from a different brand and try again. But don’t go overboard — two faulty tests in a row are rare.
You’re the exception to the rule
There are rare conditions that can produce a false negative. Ectopic pregnancy, cryptic pregnancy, or even the “hook effect” (where hCG levels are too high to be detected) can all mess with test results.
If you’re experiencing unusual pain or bleeding, call your doctor immediately.
You’re not pregnant — your period is coming
PMS symptoms can be eerily similar to early pregnancy: tender breasts, mood swings, fatigue, nausea.
Progesterone rises in both cases, so your body’s signals might trick you. The best way to know? Wait a few days. If it’s PMS, your period will show up soon.
You’re ovulating
Ovulation symptoms don’t usually mimic pregnancy as strongly as PMS does, but you might still feel mild cramping or breast tenderness.
If you’re not sure where you are in your cycle, you might misread your body’s ovulation signs as something more exciting.
It’s psychosomatic
The mind is powerful — especially when you desperately want to be pregnant.
That desire can lead to “symptom spotting,” where normal bodily sensations suddenly feel like pregnancy symptoms.
Be kind to yourself, and try to avoid falling into this emotional trap.
It’s the medication
If you’re undergoing fertility treatments, the hormones can mimic pregnancy symptoms.
Medications that alter estrogen or progesterone can make your body feel pregnant, even when it’s not.
If you’re unsure, check in with your doctor to clarify whether symptoms are drug-related or real.
This article is based on information from Healthline.com.