Negative Pregnancy Test, But Still Pregnant? Understanding Possible Reasons

Question
Hi,
I have been charting my period while trying to conceive. I have had regular 30 day periods for the last 5 months; I was using ovulation test strips and started using the OV Watch 3 months ago which showed I was ovulating on a regular basis. This month right before my scheduled fertile days the watch registered 'no data' which is supposed to mean it can't get a reading b/c you missed more than 2 days of wearing it. I never missed a day. I have had boughts of nausea, sore breasts, headaches, heartburn, and mood swings for the last 2 weeks or so. I never had a full period this month either. I started spotting a light pink and sometimes red discharge for 2 days around 3 days after my period was due. I have taken 2 pregnancy tests which have both been negative. My last full period was Dec 12th. I'm having an increase in cervical mucus now (egg white consistency) and my breasts seem engorged a little-they're also are very sensitive and sore. I developed oral thrush which my primary care doctor stated could only result from antibiotics, diabetes, or pregnancy. I tested negative for diabetes. My mother said she had her period for the first month of pregnancy with me. I've read about people getting a negative pregnancy test for a few weeks. My last fertile/OV day was December 29th so I would be 4 weeks past conception...is it possible I could be pregnant and still getting a negative urine test result?

Answer
Dear Cindy,

I am wondering if your doctor did a quantitative blood pregnancy test when he did the diabetes testing. It would seem a normal course of action, but you didn't specify that.

Your symptoms are hormonal in nature and can be related to hormone surges within your cycle OR to early pregnancy. That is why it is so difficult to diagnose a pregnancy based on symptoms alone. A positive pregnancy test or an ultrasound are the only way to confirm a pregnancy. Some women report having cyclic bleeding, or what they consider a period, the month (or even two) after conception has occurred. Some women have also complained about being unable to get a positive pregnancy test reading for up to 8 weeks after the LMP. I would have to say that would be rare though.

I would suggest that you wait another 5-7 days and test again. If those results are negative, you can either wait for the next cycle to see if your periods resume or have your doctor's office do a quantitative blood pregnancy test (serum beta hCG). That test is most conclusive and will give an actual amount of hCG in your bloodstream rather than just a positive/negative result. Any amount of 25 mIU/ml or more would be considered positive for pregnancy.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda