Negative Pregnancy Test: What to Do Next?

Updated 17 February 2022 |

Published 07 September 2018

Fact Checked

Reviewed by Kate Shkodzik, MD, Obstetrician and gynecologist

Flo Fact-Checking Standards

Every piece of content at Flo Health adheres to the highest editorial standards for language, style, and medical accuracy. To learn what we do to deliver the best health and lifestyle insights to you, check out our content review principles.

A negative pregnancy test means you have low “pregnancy hormones” level. But what should you do with this information if you’re trying to conceive? Let’s dive into it.

How home pregnancy tests work

The home pregnancy tests help you to determine if you’re pregnant at a very early stage.

These tests detect the presence of the “pregnancy hormone” called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. Your body makes this hormone when a fertilized egg is implanted in your uterus.

For the most accurate result, take the test 5–10 days after your period was due.

What reasons can lead to a negative pregnancy test?

• You are pregnant, but the test is inaccurate. Buy another one to be on safe side.
• You didn’t follow test instructions carefully. 
• You are pregnant but took the test too early.
• Your ovulation was late this month and delayed the implantation date.
• You’re pregnant with twins or triplets, which made you produce very high levels of hCG for the test to detect it. 
• You have developed an ectopic pregnancy and it delayed the production of hCG. 
• You’re not pregnant and your period is late for some other reason.

Coping with trying to conceive

Discover tips on important topics

Learn more with Flo

Should you repeat a pregnancy test if you got negative result?

If you have doubts about the test result:

• Check whether you followed the test instructions precisely.
• The hCG concentration increases rapidly — doubling every two to three days, so you can retake the test a few days later
• Continue intercourse during your fertile window.

Fertility 101

Get answers to the most common questions, chat with our friendly chatbot and join other people around the world in secret chats.

Try Flo today

Why is there no reason to be upset?

You've carefully prepared for pregnancy, undergone all the examinations, and the doctor has confirmed that you are perfectly healthy. But you didn't get pregnant on the first cycle?

Don’t worry! A successful conception is influenced by many factors, and this equally concerns both partners, not just the woman.

Stress, chronic lack of sleep, being overweight or underweight, and an unbalanced diet can lead to a negative pregnancy test. Also, maybe you just did not hit the ovulation period correctly or the cycle was anovulatory.

Follow a regular sleep schedule and eat a healthy diet to improve your chances of successful conception in the next month. Keep trying, and you will succeed!

Fertility 101

Fertility and emotional support video course

Everything you need to know in one video course, including fertility treatment, yoga and exercise for mental health.

Try course now

History of updates

Current version (17 February 2022)

Reviewed by Kate Shkodzik, MD, Obstetrician and gynecologist

Published (07 September 2018)