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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Delayed Menstruation And Negative Pregnancy Test?

Hi, I am 4 days late with my period and seem to be experiencing pregnancy symptoms (fatigue, nausea, tender breasts, some mild cramping/stomach ache, basal body temp dropped only slightly this morning but still high). I have 1 child (4yo), have been trying to conceive for 12 months now with 1 miscarriage at 6 weeks about 14 months ago. I have taken 3 home pregnancy tests, the last one first thing this morning, all of which showing up negative. My last pregnancy, a home pregnancy test only showed positive 8 days after missing my period. I have been sick this month which could have affected things too. I have booked in to see my GP tomorrow, but not sure whether to go or cancel and if I could be pregnant or not.
posted on Sun, 18 Sep 2016
Twitter Thu, 13 Oct 2016 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 17 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello.

I can understand your concern.

Home pregnancy tests, if good, generally show the test results about 10-12 days after implantation of the zygote.

So if you have a 30 day cycle, it may be positive by the time you have your next periods i.e. even before you experience delayed periods.

However, for most people it does not hold true and tests may be negative for upto 7-10 days after the missed period. Though these symptoms can be seen in pregnancy, they are non specific and can be any reason.

If you want to confirm as soon as possible about the pregnancy, you can have a blood test for beta hcg levels - increasing levels suggest a pregnancy- and an ultrasound mostly vaginal at this stage.

However, I suggest you wait for a week more before repeating the test again and then go for the investigations I mentioned earlier for confirmation.

Hope this helps. Wishing you good health.

Regards,
Dr Geeta

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What Causes Delayed Menstruation And Negative Pregnancy Test?

Hello. I can understand your concern. Home pregnancy tests, if good, generally show the test results about 10-12 days after implantation of the zygote. So if you have a 30 day cycle, it may be positive by the time you have your next periods i.e. even before you experience delayed periods. However, for most people it does not hold true and tests may be negative for upto 7-10 days after the missed period. Though these symptoms can be seen in pregnancy, they are non specific and can be any reason. If you want to confirm as soon as possible about the pregnancy, you can have a blood test for beta hcg levels - increasing levels suggest a pregnancy- and an ultrasound mostly vaginal at this stage. However, I suggest you wait for a week more before repeating the test again and then go for the investigations I mentioned earlier for confirmation. Hope this helps. Wishing you good health. Regards, Dr Geeta