Positive Pregnancy Test – What to Do Next (Complete Guide)

How does a pregnancy test actually work?

For a pregnancy test to be positive, the pregnancy hormone Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, or HCG, must be detected in the urine or blood. The hormone causes the additional release of estrogens and progestogens from the corpus luteum in the ovary, it is already produced in the first days of pregnancy by the future placenta from the time of implantation. Common pregnancy tests from the pharmacy or drugstore for self-testing can detect a pregnancy in the urine from the second week of pregnancy. Blood tests, on the other hand, are only performed in the doctor's office, but they can detect a pregnancy a few days earlier.

• Pregnancy Test – Urine: This is the most common and simplest method to determine a pregnancy at home. Thanks to its simple application, women can perform the test at home without medical assistance. About 14 days after fertilization, the HCG level in the urine has already risen so much that a rapid pregnancy test shows positive. The test strip of the urine test, made of a highly absorbent material, absorbs the liquid beyond the actual test area (control line and test line). Once the HCG concentration exceeds a certain value, the reaction causes a discoloration of the strip. The control line only indicates whether the test was performed correctly. If the test line does not change color, the test is negative. Reasons for this could be that either no HCG is present, meaning the test person is not pregnant, or the concentration in the urine is still too low, indicating that the test was taken too early. Digital pregnancy tests have also become popular, functioning just like conventional urine tests. Here, the test lines have been replaced by smileys or text (not pregnant or pregnant, often also indicating the estimated week of pregnancy).

• Pregnancy Test – Blood: A blood test can detect a pregnancy as early as nine days after fertilization. However, this can only be done by a doctor, by taking blood from the patient. The sample is then evaluated in the laboratory. A blood test can provide a more accurate determination of pregnancy. For example, it is ordered by a gynecologist if a home pregnancy test was negative but the period is still missing.

When can I take a pregnancy test?

You would like to take a pregnancy test because you are experiencing typical symptoms of pregnancy, even though it is still a few days until your period? The time at which you can perform a pregnancy test depends on the specific test you have purchased. So-called early pregnancy tests can already react to small amounts of the hormone HCG (namely 10miu/ml). A pregnancy test can usually be done five days before the expected period. Other pregnancy tests, on the other hand, only react to an HCG concentration value of 20 mIU/ml or 25 mIU/ml. They therefore provide reliable results at the earliest from the day of the expected period, usually 14 days after ovulation. If you want to detect a pregnancy as early as possible, it is advisable to use a test with high sensitivity. The rule here is: the lower the mlU/ml number on the package, the higher the probability of detecting even small amounts of HCG in the urine.

How do I perform a pregnancy test?

Keyword: Morning urine! The most reliable results are obtained with the first urine after waking up, as at this time you have not consumed much liquid yet, which means that the possible HCG concentration in the urine is at its highest. Using a pregnancy test is very simple: Depending on the package insert, you either urinate on the absorbent stick on the toilet or dip it for a few seconds in a clean cup where you have collected your morning urine. Then, place the test on a clean, flat surface. You can read your result in just a few seconds.

Good to know: It is not uncommon for a pregnancy test conducted in the evening to be negative and suddenly positive in the morning. This is due to the more concentrated morning urine and the fact that the HCG level doubles on average every 48 to 72 hours in the first weeks of pregnancy. If your pregnancy test is negative and you still suspect that you are pregnant, it is recommended to repeat the test in the following days.

False positive pregnancy test - what are the reasons?

With a reliability of 90-99%, the result of a pregnancy test is very reliable. While false negative results are common because many women take a test too early, false positive test results are rare. By the way: Even a faint second line on the test strip means that the test is positive and you are most likely pregnant.

Possible causes for a false positive pregnancy test result can include:

• Rarely occurring cysts on the ovary or tumors,

• a previous pregnancy (if a test was performed shortly after birth, after a miscarriage, or after an abortion), or

• specific medications taken that contain HCG (e.g. in fertility treatment).

If you have received a positive pregnancy test result but still suspect that you are not pregnant, you should consult your doctor. Your gynecologist is also the first point of contact in case of sudden bleeding or a positive pregnancy test despite having your period.

Positive pregnancy test: When to see a doctor?

Most women take a pregnancy test in the fourth or fifth week of pregnancy. If you have no complaints or bleeding, it is recommended to see a gynecologist only in the eighth week. Waiting until then can be a real test of patience, but it is well worth it. While in the early weeks of pregnancy there is usually little or nothing to see on the ultrasound, a different picture emerges around the eighth week of pregnancy: Now your doctor can already determine whether your embryo is developing on time, and whether you may even be expecting twins. In a healthy pregnancy, you will be rewarded with a heartbeat and also receive your maternity record - a real milestone for you and your child!

Occupation & Employer: What to consider?

While it is entirely up to you when to tell your personal circle about your positive pregnancy test, many women are unsure about how to handle the new circumstances in their professional environment. Here is a small guide for that.

When should employers be informed after a positive pregnancy test?

Whether and when pregnant women inform their employer about a positive pregnancy test is not legally required. While the Maternity Protection Act states that women should inform their employer of the planned due date as soon as they become aware of their pregnancy, this is a recommendation and not an obligation for the employee. However, if you keep your pregnancy to yourself, you will not be covered by the special legal protection that applies to pregnant women. Most pregnant women inform their employer after the twelfth week of pregnancy, once the risk of miscarriage has significantly decreased.

Prohibition of employment after pregnancy test

The professions that are subject to employment prohibition during pregnancy do not depend solely on the individual's health condition, but on whether there is a health risk for the woman or the unborn child due to an irresponsible hazard in the respective workplace.

Pregnant women must be protected by labor law as soon as the employer has been informed of the pregnancy. Some activities may no longer be carried out by pregnant women at the beginning of pregnancy. These include working with toxic substances, exposure to high levels of noise or extreme heat, physically demanding work, as well as work in specific areas such as in daycare centers or hospitals. In the "Maternity Protection Guide" provided by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, you will find detailed information on maternity protection.

Health & Prevention: What now?

While some women already focus on their diet and health during the time of wanting to conceive to increase the chances of pregnancy, it is time to take a closer look at daily eating habits at the latest from the positive pregnancy test. A balanced diet with many good micronutrients is the basis for a stable immune system. In addition to plenty of fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates such as whole grain products are an ideal source for good supply of vitamins and trace elements. Nowadays, there are many great and especially tasty recipes for pregnant women that are dedicated to this topic with a lot of heart.

On the other hand, you should avoid certain foods, such as raw milk products, undercooked food, as well as alcoholic beverages and excessive sugar. You can find out which foods to avoid during pregnancy in our compiled list "What not to eat during pregnancy".