Two Lines on Pregnancy Test but Period Arrived: What Does It Mean?

A pregnancy test showed two lines, but then menstruation occurred?

Hello, my menstrual period started on August 1st.
On August 30th, I took a test and saw two lines (the lines were not equally dark, but neither were they very faint).
In the following days, I continued to have some brown discharge (I was worried it might be early pregnancy bleeding).
By September 1st, there was no more discharge, but on September 2nd and 3rd in the morning, the second line on the test became fainter.
On the morning of September 4th, I had to squint to see the second line, and later that morning, I felt lower back pain and noticed bleeding when I went to the bathroom, which was not light.
Could you please tell me if this situation indicates that I might have been pregnant?

Xiao An, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/09/04

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it is possible that a miscarriage has occurred; just monitor the situation.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2017/09/04

More Info

When you see two lines on a pregnancy test, it typically indicates a positive result, suggesting that you may be pregnant. However, the situation can become more complex when you experience bleeding or changes in the intensity of the test lines. In your case, you initially had two lines on the test, but then you observed some brown discharge followed by bleeding, which raises several important considerations.

First, it’s essential to understand that a positive pregnancy test indicates the presence of the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your urine, which is produced when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. The intensity of the lines can vary due to several factors, including the concentration of hCG in your urine, the time of day you take the test, and how far along you are in your pregnancy. A faint line can sometimes indicate an early pregnancy, but it can also suggest that the hormone levels are not high enough to produce a strong positive result.

The brown discharge you experienced could be implantation bleeding, which is common in early pregnancy. However, if you subsequently experienced heavier bleeding, this could indicate a potential miscarriage or other complications. It’s important to note that bleeding in early pregnancy can occur for various reasons, and not all bleeding means that a miscarriage is happening. Some women experience bleeding and go on to have healthy pregnancies, while others may have a miscarriage.

Given your symptoms, it’s crucial to take the following steps:
1. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms you may experience, such as cramping, the amount of bleeding, or any other unusual signs.

2. Retest: If you have not already done so, consider taking another pregnancy test a few days later. If you are still pregnant, the hCG levels should rise, and you may see a darker line. If the line remains faint or disappears, it may indicate a loss of pregnancy.

3. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Given the bleeding and your concerns, it is advisable to contact your healthcare provider. They may recommend a blood test to measure your hCG levels, which can provide more definitive information about your pregnancy status. Blood tests can detect lower levels of hCG than urine tests and can help determine if the levels are rising appropriately, which is a good sign of a viable pregnancy.

4. Understand Your Cycle: Since your menstrual cycle is typically regular, any significant changes in your cycle, such as delayed periods or unusual bleeding, should be discussed with your healthcare provider. They can help determine if there are underlying issues that need to be addressed.

In summary, while two lines on a pregnancy test generally indicate pregnancy, the subsequent bleeding and changes in the test results warrant further investigation. It’s essential to stay in communication with your healthcare provider to ensure that you receive appropriate care and guidance based on your specific situation. Early pregnancy can be a time of uncertainty, and seeking medical advice can help clarify your circumstances and provide peace of mind.

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