I Missed a Period but Negative Test. Could I Still Be Pregnant?

If you’ve missed your period but the pregnancy test came back negative, you may be experiencing relief but uncertainty at the same time. You may wonder if the test was accurate. So what does it mean? Could you still be pregnant? Or is something else going on?

At Problem Pregnancy Center, we assist women who are experiencing unplanned pregnancies. If that’s where you are right now, we can help walk you through what’s next if you’re unsure about the pregnancy.

What Can Cause a Missed Period and Negative Test?

There are a few common reasons this can happen:

• Testing too early. If you test before the pregnancy hormone (hCG) is high enough to detect, it can give a false negative.

• Irregular cycles. Stress, diet changes, excessive exercise, or health issues can all delay your period.

• Low hormone levels. Some women have lower hCG levels that take longer to build up in the body.

• Improper test use. If the test wasn’t used correctly or was expired, it can affect results.

So yes — if you missed a period but got a negative test, you could still be pregnant. That’s why it’s important to take a follow-up step, especially if you’re uncertain.

When Should You Retest or Get an Ultrasound?

Most pregnancy tests work best after you’ve missed your period by at least one week. If you tested early and still haven’t gotten your period, it’s time to test again a week or two later and potentially schedule an ultrasound.

An ultrasound following a positive test can confirm pregnancy and show how far along you might be. It’s also helpful in ruling out other potential issues like an ectopic pregnancy or an early onset of a miscarriage, which may not appear present with an at-home pregnancy test.

What If You’re Pregnant and Unsure About What to Do?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, especially after searching for answers on TikTok and Google, we’ve got you covered with free support that can help ease your stress and provide you with the clarity you seek, without any the financial burden. 

At Problem Pregnancy Center, we offer: 

• Free pregnancy tests to verify pregnancy.
  
  
• Free limited ultrasounds (following a positive pregnancy test) to determine how far along you are and if the pregnancy is developing in the uterus.

• Confidential options counseling that gives you space to process and understand your options without pressure.

Your Next Step is a Free Appointment

If you are experiencing a potential unexpected pregnancy and not sure of your next steps We invite you to schedule a free, confidential appointment with us for the clarity and support you need.