Positive pregnancy test: reliability, confirmation and next steps

What to do after a positive pregnancy test?

• Confirm the pregnancy: After a positive home pregnancy test (preferably taken in the morning, as urine is more concentrated), even if the result is faint, it is essential to make an appointment with a healthcare professional. He or she will prescribe a blood test, which more accurately measures hCG hormone levels, confirming the pregnancy and estimating its stage, then guide you through the initial medical steps.
• Once pregnancy is confirmed, you will need to complete administrative and medical procedures. First, choose a healthcare professional for your follow-up (gynecologist, midwife, obstetrician), then undergo the first mandatory prenatal examination before the 14th week. You will also need to declare your pregnancy to the Caisse d'Assurance Maladie (French health insurance fund) and register at the maternity hospital of your choice, ideally as early as possible.
• In France, an abortion is possible up to the 14th week of pregnancy. After an initial medical appointment, a second interview with a psychologist is mandatory if you are a minor. The procedure is fully covered by the Caisse d'Assurance Maladie and can be either medicinal (up to the 7th week) or surgical (up to the 14th week).

 

A day late for your period? Or a few weeks? Sore breasts? Morning sickness? These are pregnancy symptoms that should give you a clue... To clear up doubts and/or confirm your hope, you've peed on a pregnancy test. Faced with two little lines, you're overwhelmed, you're pregnant (congratulations!). Breathe and grab your nicest notebook: we're preparing the to-do lists.

 

A day late for your period? Or a few weeks? Sore breasts? Morning sickness? These are pregnancy symptoms that should give you a clue... To clear up doubts and/or confirm your hope, you've peed on a pregnancy test. Faced with two little lines, you're overwhelmed, you're pregnant (congratulations!). Breathe and grab your nicest notebook: we're preparing the to-do lists.

 

Here's how to be sure your pregnancy test is positive

When you get a positive pregnancy test, it can be hard to believe the result. We understand, so here's how to be sure you're interpreting it correctly.

 

How do I know if the pregnancy test is positive?

Don't throw away the box of your urine test! To ensure it's positive, check the signs indicated on the packaging. Most of them display either:

• a dark line (like an "l");
• a clear symbol (like a +).

Of course, this only works if the strip detects the famous pregnancy hormones, better known as hCG hormone (or human chorionic gonadotropin).

To make sure you don't make a mistake, follow the instructions carefully: respect the waiting time (a few minutes are enough). And read the result under natural light to interpret it correctly.

Still in doubt? Don't let it linger, and take another test quickly!

 

Can a pregnancy test be a false positive?

Yes, urine pregnancy tests can sometimes show a false positive. But, between us: it's very (very) rare. You might experience this if:

• You are taking hormone-containing medications (such as those used for fertility treatment).
• You suffer from certain hormonal disorders or infections.

Remember that a negative urine test that shows a positive result several hours later is not reliable: it is an "evaporation line." In other words, when urine dries on the strip, it creates a small trace that can be confused with a + or a faint line. But it is not a true positive.

However, to clear up any doubt, you can always take another test in the following days (always, ideally, with your first morning urine). And if the doubt persists, make an appointment with a healthcare professional. They will prescribe a blood test, which will detect beta hCG more accurately.

 

Why is my test result faint?

If your test shows a very faint line, you can still interpret it as positive. Its faintness simply reflects a low hCG level, which is typical during the very first week of pregnancy. You probably took your test a little too early, and the pregnancy hormones are still quite low. To confirm the result, wait a few days (yes, we know, it's a long wait) – and take another test. If you are indeed pregnant, the symbol should appear more distinctly.

 

What is the best time to take a pregnancy test?

When to take a pregnancy test, morning or evening? Answer: morning remains the best time to take your test. This is because the level of HCG hormone is more concentrated after a good night's sleep. If you take it in the evening, and you are still in an early stage of your pregnancy, you run the risk of getting a false negative. Even if you are indeed pregnant. The best thing, then, is to wait a few days after a missed period (to be sure to "catch" the beta hCG), and quietly do it first thing in the morning.

The blood test, on the other hand, can be done at any time of the day. But if you're impatient, go early: you'll ensure you receive the results of your blood test the same day rather than the next!

 

 

What are the medical steps after a positive pregnancy test?

Joy, stress, pride, panic... everything mixes when you learn you're expecting a baby, and that's perfectly normal. Discovering a pregnancy promises many upheavals for future parents and... just as many appointments to make!

 

1. Confirm your pregnancy (is your test reliable?)

Do you doubt the reliability of pharmacy tests? Know that false positives are extremely rare: all types of pregnancy tests detect the hCG hormone in urine, which your body produces when you conceive (and which will increase during your first weeks of pregnancy). Even when your menstrual cycle isn't as regular as clockwork and you're more of a "irregular cycle" person. Even in the case of an early pregnancy. If the famous + or the 2 parallel bars appear, whether highly contrasted or barely visible, then there's no doubt... You're pregnant.

An appointment with a doctor or midwife/gynecologist is necessary to get a blood pregnancy test prescribed, which will confirm the pregnancy. This also measures the pregnancy hormone level, but will be more accurate than urine pregnancy tests, and can already help check the stage and proper development of your pregnancy (if it is multiple, if it presents risks...). This will be your first medical check-up, to be done during the first 14 weeks of your pregnancy. This timeframe also allows you to have an abortion if that is your choice. And you are completely free to do so!

How does it work if you choose this option? The procedure is simple: make an appointment quickly with a doctor or midwife. After an interview and a dating ultrasound, the professional will guide you towards a medical abortion (up to 9 weeks of pregnancy) or a surgical abortion (up to 14 weeks). Rest assured, the support is fully covered by Social Security.

If you choose to keep the baby, your doctor will also prescribe a dating ultrasound to determine the stage of your pregnancy and thus know the estimated day of conception and therefore delivery.

And what next? You'll have seven mandatory medical visits until your delivery. Each time, with a prenatal exam and a blood test to ensure everything is okay. They are done monthly, starting from the 4th month until the end of pregnancy, and serve to ensure precise monitoring, for both you and your baby. Most importantly, don't worry about the cost: here too, everything is covered by the Caisse d'Assurance Maladie.

Bonus: in some cases, you even qualify for a Birth Premium. Check with your Caisse d'Allocations familiales (Family Allowance Fund); it would be a shame to miss out!

 

2. Choosing your medical team

Nine months is a long time! So it's best to surround yourself well. Take the time to think about how you want to experience your pregnancy. Midwife, gynecologist, obstetrician... The choice of your healthcare professional also depends on your type of pregnancy (if it's late, complicated, if it requires special attention...). For example, if you have a high-risk pregnancy, you will need to be followed by an obstetrician. These doctors deliver their patients in the hospital or clinic where they practice, so you will need to follow them. In the public sector, deliveries are often performed by midwives, who also provide childbirth preparation.

You can also call on a doula: this is a woman who accompanies and supports the expectant mother and her loved ones during pregnancy and even postpartum. Through her listening and advice, she is a benevolent support who can help daily and/or when one feels a little lost or overwhelmed. It is an intimate and trusting female relationship, but it does not replace medical follow-up and healthcare personnel.

Your loved ones will surely give you a thousand pieces of advice, but listen to your intuition and, most importantly, feel confident with the person or people who will be following you!

 

3. The first trimester ultrasound

Who says 1st trimester of pregnancy, says... 1st ultrasound! It is one of the three recommended – but not mandatory – ultrasounds during pregnancy. This ultrasound is often eagerly awaited because it provides valuable information; it can notably detect the risks of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Trisomy 21. It also greatly reassures many expectant mothers regarding the fear of miscarriage. You can see the four limbs, eyes, ears, feet, fingers, and a small profile takes shape. Your heart as a – future – mom might just go BOOM!

 

4. Preparing your body

Of course, you'll have to stop alcohol, cigarettes, give up sushi platters, raw meats, get enough sleep... (but I promise, it's for a good cause <3). In short, adopt the healthiest lifestyle possible, compatible with your daily life. The goal isn't just frustration: it's mainly to get your body (and your mind, because the two are connected!) in the best possible state, so that they can experience the coming months, full of emotions and changes, as well as possible.

Even when our lifestyle is top-notch, we sometimes have certain deficiencies, which is why supplementation is recommended, right from the desire to conceive. But there's still plenty of time to start now that you know you're pregnant! We created our pregnancy vitamins, 100% natural, for this purpose: to allow expectant mothers to build up a reserve of good vitamins and minerals (especially vitamin B9, also called folic acid), as their needs will increase during the next nine months... and after!

 

Administrative steps

There's already a lot to do medically, and we'd gladly skip the rest. And yet, we'll also have to anticipate and delve into a few administrative obligations (we don't like it either!).

 

1. Choose and register at the maternity hospital

Oh dear, oh dear, the famous question all expectant mothers ask themselves, which can generate a lot of stress: how to register at a maternity hospital? I promise, it's not complicated. You can choose to give birth in the public or private sector. For public hospitals, you have to register yourself, and it's recommended to "book" your spot as early as possible (yes, just like for the best brunches!). However, if you choose an obstetrician from a private clinic, they will handle your registration and room reservation. As for choosing the maternity hospital, it's important to try to:

• take into account its level: 1, 2, or 3. A level 3 maternity hospital is better equipped (intensive care unit, pediatric resuscitation service) and ready to handle major complications (premature babies, babies requiring intensive care...).
• ensure a reasonable distance from your home
• inquire about the rate of C-sections, episiotomies performed, etc.

And even if it's still not very developed in France, home birth is also possible, for a totally different experience. However, this requires meeting several criteria: not being too far from a maternity hospital (in case of necessity), having a healthy pregnancy with a healthy mother, not expecting twins, or the baby not being in a breech position.

 

2. Declare your pregnancy

There will be the announcement to your loved ones, and that will be a joyful moment. But you will also have to notify the authorities. Less fun, we grant you that. This declaration of pregnancy to the Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie (Primary Health Insurance Fund) must be made after the first medical examination, within the first 14 weeks of your pregnancy. You just need to send a pregnancy certificate, which the doctor or midwife will give you.

However, if you become aware of your pregnancy after this deadline, don't panic! Pregnancy denial, though rare, exists. And fortunately, women who experience it can still be followed by a medical team and supported by Social Security. Even late in the process. If this is your case, talk directly to your midwife.

And if you're worried about being affected... Don't worry: our article How to tell if you're in pregnancy denial will help you see things more clearly!

 

3. Inform your employer

Less fun than a gender reveal party, but nevertheless essential: informing your workplace about your pregnancy. The Labor Code does not stipulate any deadline for doing so, not even during hiring. You are only officially required to inform them before your maternity leave, in writing or orally, with a medical certificate. But the sooner you do it, the more comfortable you will be! You can then benefit from your rights, including: authorized absences (with no impact on your salary, of course) for your medical examinations, a reduction in working hours (depending on agreements).

And, we see you, you stressed-out ones! No unnecessary panic: a pregnant woman is protected by law against any risk of dismissal (for permanent contracts, this protection extends to 14 weeks postpartum).

A pregnancy doesn't last nine months, and we're not the only ones to say so! And that's precisely why it's important to take care of yourself at each step. From preconception to postpartum products to pamper you after birth, we'll be there!