“What does a faint or strong line on a pregnancy test mean?”
Pregnancy Test is a tool used to detect “hCG hormone” which the body produces when pregnant. But sometimes the line that appears may be strong or faint. So what does it mean?
1. How does a pregnancy test work?
- Tests the level of hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in urine
- If pregnant, the body will produce hCG up to 200,000 in the first 1-3 months and will gradually decrease to about 50,000 until before delivery
2. What do the lines on a pregnancy test mean?
- 2 strong lines → High chance of pregnancy because the hCG level in the body is sufficient
- 2 lines but the 2nd line is faint → It may be because
- Tested too early (hCG level is still low)
- Urine is too diluted (should test in the morning after waking up)
- Pregnancy is still early (recommend retesting in 2-3 days)
– One line → May mean not pregnant or tested too early
3. Does a faint line = early pregnancy?
- Not always! Because the hCG level in each person’s body increases at different rates
- Some people test very early (within 1-2 weeks after intercourse), the hCG level may still be low, causing a faint line
- If in doubt, it is recommended to retest 7 days after a missed period
4. More accurate methods to check pregnancy age
- Calculate from the last menstrual period (LMP – Last Menstrual Period)
- Ultrasound – Examined by a doctor for the most accurate pregnancy age
- Blood test to measure hCG levels – More accurate than a urine test
5. If unsure after testing, what should you do?
- Retest in 2-3 days to see if the line becomes clearer
- See a doctor for a blood test or ultrasound for accuracy
- If you need advice on unplanned pregnancy, you can seek guidance from experts
For further consultation, contact us here
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“A faint or strong line on a pregnancy test may not always indicate pregnancy age. Confirm with accurate methods!”