After a miscarriage, pregnancy tests can remain positive for a variable amount of time because they detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which does not disappear immediately from the body. The time it takes for a pregnancy test to become negative depends on factors such as how far along the pregnancy was and individual differences in hormone clearance.
- Typically, hCG levels start to drop after a miscarriage but may take anywhere from about 9 days to 6 weeks to fall below detectable levels on a pregnancy test
- For very early miscarriages (chemical pregnancies), hCG may return to normal within a week or so, leading to a negative test sooner
- For miscarriages occurring later in pregnancy, hCG levels are higher and can take longer-up to a month or more-to return to baseline, meaning pregnancy tests may remain positive for weeks
- Some women report it taking up to 6 weeks or longer to test negative, especially if hCG levels were very high or if some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus
- Because of this variability, it is generally recommended to wait at least two weeks after a miscarriage before taking another pregnancy test to avoid confusion from lingering hCG
- If a pregnancy test remains positive beyond 6 weeks, medical evaluation may be needed to rule out incomplete miscarriage or other conditions
In summary, a pregnancy test will usually become negative between about 9 days and 6 weeks after a miscarriage, with the exact timing varying by individual circumstances and how far along the pregnancy was.
