Home Pregnancy Tests: Risks
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Risks
There are no problems with collecting a urine sample for a home pregnancy test. But there may be a chance that you read the results wrong. With any home pregnancy test, if the test shows you are pregnant (positive test), you should see your health professional to confirm the test and arrange follow-up care. If the test does not show you are pregnant (negative test), it is still possible that you may actually be pregnant. You should repeat the test in one week if your menstrual period has not started. If the repeat test is negative, probably you are not pregnant, but you should talk to your health professional about why you are not having periods.
If you have missed a menstrual period and have lower abdominal pain, call your health professional immediately even if the pregnancy test is negative. You may have an ectopic (or tubal) pregnancy, which occurs when a fertilized egg attaches somewhere other than in the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy could burst a fallopian tube and lead to serious medical problems.
| Last updated: | July 15, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Sandy Jocoy, RN |
| Reviewed By: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Tracy Landauer |
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