False Positive Pregnancy Test: What Could It Mean?

Question
Hi Brenda,
My period is about 2 weeks late, and last weekend I took 3 home pregnancy tests, all of which were positive. However, I went to the doctor, and they said that there was no sign of a gestational sac yet in my uturus, nor any sign of the forming of one. I haven't gotten my blood test results back yet, but is it possible that I am not really pregnant? If so, what could be a possible answer for why I have gotten positive results, and my missed period? I have a history of ovarian cysts, could this have anything to do with it? Thanks for your help...

Tara

Answer
Dear Tara,

If you are 2 weeks late now, then that would put you at about 6 weeks from LMP from how I calculate things. So, I will base my answer on that.

At 6 weeks, we would expect to see at least gestational sac on ultrasound. Normally, if they do not see the sac in the uterus, they look in and around the Fallopian tubes to make sure an ectopic pregnancy has not taken place. Do you know if they did this? If they cannot visualize any trace of a gestational sac within the uterus at 6 weeks and your hCG levels do come back indicating that you remain pregnant, and are at levels which would confirm that the dating is correct (at least 1000 mIU/ml), then I would tend to suspect an ectopic pregnancy.

An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg has implanted outside the uterus. The egg settles in the fallopian tubes more than 95% of the time. This is why ectopic pregnancies are commonly called "tubal pregnancies." The egg can also implant in the ovary, abdomen, or the cervix, so you may see these referred to as cervical or abdominal pregnancies.

Ectopic pregnancy can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often mirror those of a normal early pregnancy. Pain is usually the first red flag. You might feel pain in your pelvis, abdomen, or, in extreme cases, even your shoulder or neck (if blood from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy builds up and irritates certain nerves). Most women describe the pain as sharp and stabbing. It may concentrate on one side of the pelvis, and it may come and go or vary in intensity. You can also experience vaginal bleeding or spotting, dizziness or fainting (caused by blood loss), and/or lower back pain. Also, if hCG levels are lower than expected for your stage of pregnancy, doctors are one step closer to diagnosing ectopic pregnancy. You should call your doctor if you're pregnant and begin experiencing any of the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy.

I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well and will have a good thought for you.

Brenda