Does one line on a pregnancy test mean you are pregnant?

One line on a home pregnancy test typically indicates a negative result, meaning that you are not pregnant. If the test has two lines (one line on the control line and one line on the test line), this usually signifies a positive result, indicating pregnancy.

But how can there be one line one a home pregnancy test but I am pregnant?

Although rare, it is possible for a home pregnancy test to show one line but still be indicating a positive result. This is known as a "false negative" result, and there are a few factors that can contribute to it:

* Early pregnancy: Home pregnancy tests work by detecting the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine. HCG is a hormone that is produced during pregnancy and its levels rise steadily as the embryo implants in the uterus and the pregnancy progresses. If you take a pregnancy test very early in pregnancy, before the hCG levels have reached a detectable level, you may get a false negative result.

* Diluted urine: If the urine sample used for the pregnancy test is too diluted, it can affect the accuracy of the test and lead to a false negative result. This can happen if you drink too much water before taking the test.

* Certain medications: Some medications, such as fertility drugs, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy, can interfere with the accuracy of pregnancy tests.

It is important to note that false positives are more common than false negatives, but either type of inaccurate result can be frustrating and confusing. If you have any doubts about the accuracy of your home pregnancy test, it is recommended to repeat the test or consult with a healthcare provider.