What Does a Positive Pregnancy Test Look Like?

In this guide, we share how to read your pregnancy test results and show you actual results from real women who have used Natalist Pregnancy Tests to test for pregnancy.

By Halle Tecco, MBA, MPH

At-home pregnancy tests are an affordable, reliable way to test for pregnancy as early as possible. They offer ease of use and peace of mind, right when you need it.

The Natalist Pregnancy Test is designed to be easy to use, but it’s always helpful to see what results could look like. In this guide, we’ll share more about how to read your results and show you actual results from real women who have used Natalist Pregnancy Tests to test for pregnancy.

How do Pregnancy Tests Work?

Pregnancy tests detect a hormone called human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), the first detectable sign of pregnancy. An embryo makes hCG, which can be detected in urine after it implants into the uterine wall. If the test detects hCG, it will show a positive result.

You can use the Natalist Pregnancy Test starting five days before you expect your period to start. However, for the most accurate results (over 99%), test as close as you can to your expected period.

Things to Know When Taking a Pregnancy Test

The Natalist Pregnancy Test is over 99% accurate when used correctly—so be sure to read all the instructions before you start.

It’s best to test first thing in the morning when your urine is most concentrated. If you’re pregnant, there will be more hCG for the test to detect. This is especially important if you’re taking the test before your expected period. If you take it later in the day, make sure you don’t drink a lot of liquid in the hours before testing.

How to Read Pregnancy Test Results

The test window can show two lines:

1. The control line (C) to make sure the test worked.
2. The test line (T) that shows a positive result.

If two lines show up, even if the test line (T) is very faint, that’s a positive—or pregnant result.

If only the control line (C) shows up, the test is negative. Either you’re not pregnant or it’s too early to test.

Examples of Positive Pregnancy Test Results

1. This result is from a 32-year-old woman who tested midmorning, before her expected period:

2. This result is from a 29-year-old woman who tested midmorning, approximately three to four days before her missed period:

3. This result is from a 32-year-old woman who tested first thing in the morning, before her missed period:

4. This faint positive result (it's a squinter!) is from a 40-year-old woman who tested five days before her expected period:

5. This result is from a 32-year-old woman who tested after her missed period:

Remember, any test line—even a faint one—is a positive result. If you are pregnant, the line will be darker tomorrow.

Why You Might Be Seeing a Negative Test 

Every woman and every cycle is different. If you’re pretty sure you’re pregnant, but the test says otherwise, either:

1. Your urine was too diluted (don’t drink a lot of liquid for a few hours before testing) or 
2. It’s too early to detect a pregnancy. If you tested before your expected period, this could be the case. If you feel you’re pregnant, test again in a few days. hCG levels soar in early pregnancy—doubling every 48 hours. If you miss your period and still get a negative result, see your doctor.

Have questions about how early you can test for pregnancy or other fertility and pregnancy topics? Learn more on the Natalist blog!