If you are pregnant, an ovulation test will show a positive result. Because ovulation tests detect luteinizing hormone (LH) in addition to predicting your fertility, sometimes they react to hCG, a similar hormone that is present during pregnancy.

In this article, you will learn why this happens, help you understand the key differences between ovulation tests and pregnancy tests, and ensure you use them correctly to effectively manage your pregnancy and pregnancy.

Why Might an Ovulation Test Be Positive if You’re Pregnant?

If you find out that your ovulation test is positive during pregnancy, you may be confused because these tests help you detect ovulation, not pregnancy. Let's take a look at what causes this：

• Hormone Similarities: Luteinizing hormone (LH) (which ovulation tests are designed to detect) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (the hormone that signals pregnancy) are both glycoproteins. They share similarities in their molecular structure, especially in the beta subunit, because most over-the-counter ovulation tests target this subunit. So your ovulation test may mistake hCG for LH.

• High levels of hCG: Early in pregnancy, your body produces high levels of hCG, sometimes even in the range that ovulation tests identify as an LH surge. This high level of hCG can trigger a positive result on an ovulation test, misleading you into thinking you may be ovulating when, in fact, you are pregnant.

• Test Sensitivity: Different brands of ovulation tests vary in sensitivity. Some test brands are more sensitive and are able to detect lower levels of the hormone. If you use a particularly sensitive ovulation test while you are pregnant, it may mistakenly identify hCG as LH, resulting in a false-positive result.

Can an Ovulation Test Detect Early Pregnancy?

Ovulation tests are not designed to detect early pregnancy, so we should not use them to detect early pregnancy. Although its LH and hCG hormones are similar, and it may occasionally show a positive result, it is not reliable. To accurately confirm pregnancy, you should use a pregnancy test specifically for hCG or consult a doctor.

What’s the Difference Between an Ovulation Test and a Pregnancy Test?

Hormone Tests

Ovulation Tests: Ovulation tests detect luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine. If you are trying to conceive, using an ovulation test can be helpful because it can be used when you are about to ovulate (usually in the middle of your menstrual cycle). It can identify the peak of LH, which occurs about 24-36 hours before the ovary releases an egg. This surge is your cue that it is the best time to conceive.

Pregnancy Tests: Pregnancy strip tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. If you have missed your period or have potential pregnancy symptoms such as nausea or fatigue, taking a pregnancy test can quickly find out. Pregnancy tests can detect even low levels of hCG in urine and confirm pregnancy within minutes.

Purpose

Ovulation Tests: The main goal of ovulation strips is to determine your fertility window and the days when you are most likely to conceive. Tracking your LH levels helps predict your best days for conception, which can help if you have irregular menstrual cycles or you have been trying to conceive without success. Using ovulation tests regularly can help you understand your menstrual cycle patterns and improve your chances of conceiving.

Pregnancy Tests: Pregnancy tests are used to confirm whether you are pregnant. This is an important step before starting your journey to pregnancy, allowing you to start prenatal care in a timely manner. You can take a test as soon as you miss your period, so you can get early health interventions and make necessary lifestyle adjustments for a healthy pregnancy.

Interpretation of Results

Ovulation Tests: A positive result on an ovulation test indicates high LH levels, indicating that ovulation is imminent. This is your signal to have sexual intercourse within the next few days to maximize your chances of conception. By correctly interpreting and acting on this test result, you can significantly improve your chances of pregnancy.

Pregnancy Tests: A positive result confirms the presence of hCG, indicating that you are pregnant. Upon receiving a positive result, you should immediately see a healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy and start prenatal care. This early confirmation helps you prepare for the changes your body will go through and ensures that your pregnancy starts with a health-centered approach.

When to Use Ovulation Tests vs. Pregnancy Tests？

Deciding when to use ovulation tests and pregnancy tests can help you understand your fertility and pregnancy status. Here are some tips for determining the best time to use each test.

When to use an ovulation test

Period: If you are trying to get pregnant and want to determine your fertile period, you should use an ovulation test. The best time to start testing is a few days before your expected ovulation period. This is calculated by subtracting 14 from your typical cycle length. For example, if your cycle is typically 28 days, you should start testing around day 10.

How Often to Test: It is recommended that you test daily from the beginning of your fertile period until you get a positive result, which indicates that the LH surge is occurring and ovulation is likely to occur within 24 to 36 hours.

When to use a pregnancy test

After a Missed Period: The best time to take a pregnancy test is after you have missed your period. For the most accurate results, it is best to wait until at least a week after your missed period. This delay allows hCG levels to rise to detectable levels if you are pregnant.

Early Detection: If you want to know sooner, some sensitive pregnancy tests can detect hCG levels a few days before your missed period. However, testing before your missed period can sometimes produce less accurate results. Therefore, if the initial test result is negative and your period still hasn’t started, consider testing again a week after your period is late to get a more reliable result.

How Can Mommed Help You?

Mommed offers a range of reliable ovulation and pregnancy testing products that can help you better understand your fertility window and confirm your pregnancy status. Whether you are looking for a highly sensitive ovulation test or need an early pregnancy test to confirm your status, Mommed can help.

In addition, Mommed also offers a range of postpartum breastfeeding products, such as the Mommed S21 Breast Pump, Double Electric Breast Pump, and Baby Bottle Warmer. So, whether it is pre-pregnancy or postpartum services, Mommed can make you confident every step of the way. Visit Mommed now and start your healthy fertility journey.

Conclusion

In summary, ovulation tests detect a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), which indicates that ovulation is imminent, but because LH and hCG are similar in structure, they can sometimes show a positive result if you are pregnant. However, keep in mind that ovulation tests are not reliable for confirming pregnancy. A pregnancy test that specifically detects hCG should be used to accurately confirm pregnancy.