What to do in case of a positive pregnancy test?

A pregnancy test lets you know whether you are pregnant or not. But what should you do if the test is positive? Is the result reliable? What are the next steps?

Positive pregnancy test: here’s what to do next.

Understanding a positive pregnancy test result

If you suspect you might be pregnant, the first step is usually to take a urine test. This type of test, available at pharmacies or supermarkets, detects the presence of a specific hormone in urine: beta-hCG. This hormone appears as soon as implantation occurs, meaning when the embryo implants in the uterine lining, usually 6 to 10 days after fertilization and ovulation.

A pregnancy test positive result is generally very reliable, especially if the test is taken under proper conditions. It is simple, quick, and can be done at home. For best accuracy, it is recommended to use your first morning urine. The test can be taken from the first day of a missed period.

However, there are rare situations where the result may be inaccurate—this is called a false positive. Here are the rare cases that can cause a false positive:

• taking certain medications, especially fertility treatments,
• the presence of certain rare diseases or tumors that produce hCG,
• residual hormones from a recent pregnancy.

If you get a positive pregnancy test (or a negative one but still have strong doubts), it is recommended to confirm the result with a blood test that will accurately measure your beta-hCG level. Covered when prescribed by a midwife or doctor, the blood test allows precise measurement of the beta-hCG hormone in the blood. This test is more sensitive and reliable and can detect pregnancy as early as 6 days after fertilization.

Want to learn more? Feel free to download the May app, where you’ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your pregnancy.

First steps after a positive pregnancy test

After a positive pregnancy test, here are the first steps to follow.

Make an appointment with a healthcare professional

As soon as you have a positive pregnancy test, schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional: a midwife or a doctor. To prepare for your first visit, you can:

• Write down the date of your last period and the estimated date of conception.
• List any symptoms you are experiencing such as nausea, missed period, pain, etc.

This first appointment is an opportunity to ask all your questions, get reassurance about what comes next, and organize the first necessary tests.

In case of an unplanned pregnancy, the healthcare professional will guide you on the steps to follow and the timelines to respect.

Confirm the pregnancy with a medical exam

Even though a urine pregnancy test is reliable, the healthcare professional will usually prescribe a blood test to confirm the pregnancy and accurately measure the beta-hCG level.

However, only an ultrasound can confirm the presence of the embryo in your uterus and accurately date the pregnancy, whether it is a dating ultrasound or the first-trimester ultrasound. This will be done later, as a certain level of beta-hCG is needed to visualize the developing gestational sac.

Good to know: the dating ultrasound is not systematic. It is only necessary in cases of a history of ectopic pregnancy, miscarriages, or irregular cycles, which make it difficult to estimate the start of the pregnancy.

Positive pregnancy test: when and how to declare your pregnancy?

Once the pregnancy is confirmed by ultrasound and after the first-trimester scan, certain administrative steps become essential to benefit from appropriate care and to access all your rights throughout this period.

Online pregnancy declaration

The pregnancy declaration can be completed only after the first ultrasound. This step is necessary to benefit from appropriate follow-up and rights provided by Health Insurance. This marks the official administrative start of your pregnancy.

The process is simple. Your healthcare professional will directly declare your pregnancy online during the consultation. You will then receive confirmation in your Ameli account, with no further action required.

It is recommended to complete this process before the end of the 14th week of amenorrhea (WA) to ensure optimal coverage of your tests and associated rights.

What coverage during pregnancy?

From the moment the pregnancy is declared, specific support is put in place to help you experience this unique time with peace of mind:

• 100% coverage of all mandatory exams from the 6th month, as well as certain consultations from early pregnancy.
• The dating ultrasound and first ultrasound are covered at 70% by Health Insurance, while the second, third, and any additional necessary scans are covered at 100%.
• A prenatal prevention assessment (prenatal interview) with a midwife should be done after the pregnancy declaration to review nutrition, vaccinations, smoking, alcohol, risks, and oral health monitoring.

Good to know: in the workplace, remember that labor law protects you and it is completely illegal for your pregnancy to be a source of discrimination. Your pregnancy cannot be a barrier to hiring or grounds for dismissal.

You are also entitled to time off for medical appointments without loss of pay. The co-parent can accompany you to 3 appointments during the pregnancy by simply providing proof to their employer.

Practical tips after a positive pregnancy test

The first days after a pregnancy test are often intense. Here are some practical tips to help you through this period:

Managing stress and emotions: talk about your feelings with loved ones or a healthcare professional (midwife, doctor).

Anticipating the first physical changes: expect changes as early as the first month of pregnancy. Fatigue, breast tenderness, mild uterine pain… If you experience unusual symptoms such as severe pain or heavy bleeding, consult your gynecologist or midwife promptly.

When to announce your pregnancy? It is often said that you should announce a pregnancy after the third month, once the first ultrasound has been completed. The risk of miscarriage significantly decreases at that stage, helping avoid having to share difficult news.

However, waiting also has its downsides. It may require hiding early symptoms like fatigue, nausea, or pain. In case of miscarriage, it can also mean missing out on support from loved ones.

In reality, there is no universal “right” time. Announcing a pregnancy is a personal choice, which should be free and respected.

In summary, a positive pregnancy test often marks the beginning of a new chapter, filled with emotions, questions, and the first concrete steps. Every pregnancy is different. Experience it at your own pace, according to your needs and choices.

Photo credits: diego_cervo | FabianMontano | Prostock-studio

This text was translated from French by an artificial intelligence. The information, advice, and sources it contains comply with French standards and may therefore not apply to your situation. Make sure to complement this reading by visiting the May US/UK app and consulting the healthcare professionals who are supporting you.