Will Ovulation Test Be Positive If Pregnant?

You’ve taken an ovulation test—and it’s positive. But something feels different this cycle. Now you’re wondering: Could this actually mean I’m pregnant?

At fertie, we get this question all the time. When you’re trying to conceive, every symptom or test result feels loaded with meaning. Let’s unpack what a positive ovulation test might mean—especially if it shows up when you weren’t expecting it.

Can an Ovulation Test Detect Pregnancy?

Here’s the short answer: Sometimes, yes—but it’s not designed to.

Ovulation tests detect luteinizing hormone (LH), not human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)—which is the hormone that pregnancy tests detect.

However, LH and hCG have similar molecular structures, so in some cases, an ovulation test can mistakenly interpret hCG as LH. That means:

• A positive ovulation test after ovulation could possibly indicate pregnancy

• But it’s not a reliable or accurate way to confirm it

Bottom line: Use a pregnancy test, not an ovulation test, if you suspect you’re pregnant.

When Could an Ovulation Test Be Positive If You're Pregnant?

If you take an ovulation test:

• In early pregnancy, a strong rise in hCG could trigger a false “positive” on an ovulation test

• Later in your luteal phase, some people notice a second LH surge before their period—or early in pregnancy

• With PCOS or hormonal imbalances, your LH levels might stay elevated longer than usual, creating confusing results

It’s easy to misread these results, especially if you’re tracking closely and emotionally invested (we’ve all been there).

How to Tell the Difference: Ovulation or Pregnancy?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Are you tracking ovulation and sure it already happened?

• Are you more than 10 days past ovulation (DPO)?

• Are you experiencing early pregnancy symptoms (fatigue, sore breasts, nausea)?

If yes, take a pregnancy test—it’s the only way to confirm what’s really going on.

Personal Insight: “The Positive Test Gave Me False Hope”

“I took an ovulation test randomly on day 28 just out of curiosity—it was blazing positive. I thought maybe it meant I was pregnant, but the next day my period arrived. I learned that it’s totally possible to get an LH spike before your period—and I stopped using ovulation tests after ovulation just to avoid the rollercoaster.”
— fertie Community Member

Final Thoughts

Ovulation tests are great tools for timing your fertile window—but they’re not meant to detect pregnancy. If you see a positive result outside your usual ovulation window, don’t rely on it to confirm anything. Instead, take a pregnancy test, or check in with your doctor if you're unsure.

We know the two-week wait can feel like an emotional minefield—but understanding your body’s signals can help take some of the anxiety out of the unknown.

👉 Inside our Fertility 101 course, we break down how to track ovulation, interpret test results, and recognize early pregnancy signs with clarity and calm. Whether you’re trying now or planning ahead, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Get expert support for your fertility journey

Join fertie to unlock:

• Expert-led courses

• Supportive, private community

• Access to top clinics and partner benefits

Disclaimer: Prices and treatment protocols vary by clinic and individual. Always consult with your fertility specialist for accurate, up-to-date pricing and guidance tailored to your situation.