So, you’ve taken a pregnancy test and the result is positive! What next? This one moment of revelation can be totally overwhelming for good or bad reasons. for some this will be one of the best moments of their life, staring down at the result of the test. For others anxiety and fear may be the first emotions they feel when faced with the news.
However you feel about a positive pregnancy test we are here to help with the following advice that we think you might find useful.
The Result of My Pregnancy Test Is Positive. Now What?
Even if you are trying to get pregnant, a positive pregnancy test result can send you into a spin. What happens now? If you’ve never been pregnant before, the news can be overwhelming.
The first thing that anybody in this position should do is try and relax, take some deep breaths, let the news sink in. If you want to be pregnant or not, there are people that can help you.
If you are planning to keep the baby, an appointment with your GP is the first thing that needs to be sorted out. Here you can discuss pregnancy and antenatal support.
If you are unsure about being pregnant and having a baby, help is also available. The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) other excellent advice and can help you in this difficult time. Another website with useful advice is run by the FPA. They have advice under the title Pregnant and don’t know what to do?
Alternatively, you can talk to your local doctor or healthcare professional to discuss options.
Once you have sought professional guidance and support, it is important to consider your own personal feelings and desires. Take some time to reflect on whether you are ready to become a parent or if there are other factors that may affect your decision. It is crucial to remember that the choice is ultimately yours.
If you are unsure about what to do, confide in someone you trust, such as a close friend or family member. Having a support system can help you navigate through the emotions and uncertainties that come with an unexpected pregnancy. They can provide a listening ear and offer valuable advice while respecting your autonomy.
Consider discussing the situation with the other person involved in the pregnancy, whether it is your partner or the person you had a sexual encounter with. Open and honest communication is vital during this time, as it allows both parties to express their thoughts and concerns. Together, you can decide on the best course of action that aligns with both of your wishes and circumstances.
It is also important to educate yourself about the different options available to you. Adoption, abortion, and parenting are all valid choices, and each comes with its own set of considerations and implications. Take the time to research and reach out to organisations that specialise in each of these areas. They can provide you with the necessary information and resources to make an informed decision.
Remember that you are not alone. There are countless individuals who have faced similar situations and have found their own paths forward. Seeking the support of a therapist or counsellor can be beneficial in helping you navigate the emotional challenges that may arise during this time. They can provide guidance and coping strategies to help you move forward with confidence.
No matter what decision you make, trust in yourself and your ability to choose what is best for your own life. This is your journey, and it is important to prioritise your well-being and future. Seek support, gather information, and take the time you need to make a decision that feels right for you.
Is My Pregnancy Test Really Positive?
Pregnancy tests are all designed to detect a hormone called hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotrophin). As soon as you are pregnant your body starts producing this hormone. This process can start really early into your pregnancy and hCG can be detected with 99% accuracy on the day of your expected period by most pregnancy tests.
At this stage, even a faint line of a test is a positive, which means you are pregnant.
Some tests, such as the Clearblue Early Detection Pregnancy Test can detect the hormone even earlier, often up to 5 days before your expected period.
What About False Positives?
False positive pregnancy test results are rare. Because the hCG hormone is only present in the body of a woman when she is pregnant, false results are very rare indeed. Reliable pregnancy tests such as the Zoom Baby Midstream Pregnancy Test or the First Response Early Results test should be 99% accurate in predicting if you are pregnant.
Read our blog post to find out what causes a False Positive Pregnancy Test
Reading Pregnancy Test Results
It can often be confusing when it comes to reading the results of your pregnancy test. Tests vary from brand to brand but most are similar in the way they report pregnancy test results:
Two lines. This is the most common type of test. It has a control line, which is deigned to let you know that the test has worked. If you are not pregnant this is the only line that you will see appearing after the test has been completed. If, on the other hand, you are pregnant, you will see a second line appearing as well. Even if you see two lines and they are very faint, this till means that the result is positive and that you are pregnant,
For more information on reading a pregnancy test when the line is not a strong one, read our blog post: Is a Faint Line on a Pregnancy Test a Positive?
A plus sign. On some tests, a plus or minus sign is used to give you the test result. If you aren’t pregnant, you will see a negative sign. A positive pregnancy test produces a positive sign in the results window, meaning that you are pregnant.Alongside these results you will see a line in the control box which confirms that the test has been taken successfully.
Pregnant. More sophisticated, digital pregnancy tests often show words to indicate results, typically ‘Pregnant’ or ‘Not Pregnant’. This makes is easy for you to know the result of your test.
Should I get my pregnancy test confirmed?
Testing again is not necessary if you get a positive result. However, some women prefer to take another test, often with a different brand of test, just to be certain. We recommend that you make and appointment to see your GP or midwife if you get a positive pregnancy test result.
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash
This post first appeared in 2019. It was last updated in June 2023.
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