Many trying to conceive have heard of “tweaking” a pregnancy test. But what exactly does this mean? Here’s an explanation of what pregnancy test tweaking is, when people do it, and whether it really works.

What is Tweaking a Pregnancy Test?

Tweaking a pregnancy test involves using photo editing tools to manipulate digital images of home pregnancy tests to try to find the faintest hint of a second pink line.

Reasons women may tweak test photos include:

• Thinking they maybe see a super faint second line by eye and want to confirm
• Suspecting early positive with unconcentrated urine and want to enhance hCG signal
• Hoping to uncover hidden color the naked eye can’t discern
• Definitively rule out any vague indent line versus true color dye
• Looking for early positive days before missed period

People may adjust brightness, contrast, saturation etc. trying to make a faint line more obvious. Tests are photographed within time limit for valid results.

Can It Really Enhance Accuracy?

There are mixed opinions on whether tweaking actually improves the accuracy of the test results. Potential pitfalls include:

• Creates false hope by enhancing indent lines – Tweaking can make a colorless indent more prominent, falsely looking positive. But indents will not turn pink/purple.
• Over-manipulates images – Excessive tweaking can distort tests, creating “color” where none exists.
• Defeats test sensitivity – Tests are designed to display a visible line to the naked eye if positive. Needing to tweak suggests hCG was below detectable levels.
• Wastes tests – Repeated tweaking of photos uses more tests unnecessarily versus just retesting with concentrated urine.
• Causes confusion – It can be unclear if a faint tweaked line is an early positive or just an enhanced indent. Unclear results cause more stress.

So while tweaking may seem helpful, many experts warn it often does more harm than good. At best it should be used sparingly when you think you possibly see a very faint line.

When Might Tweaking Be Useful?

There are a few situations where tweaking a pregnancy test image may have some utility:

• To document very early positive pregnancy tests days before missed period for fertility treatments
• If visibly seeing a faint second pink but not dark line and seeking documentation
• When hCG levels are likely still very low and urine is dilute
• To show your doctor very early or questionable positive results

Otherwise, resist the strong urge to obsessively tweak and analyze tests excessively. Retesting with concentrated morning urine in a few days provides more definitive results.

While many women tweak tests hoping to uncover secret positive results, this practice has serious limitations at best and causes false hope at worst. Use tactfully only in select circumstances, like visibly seeing faint lines or confirming early IVF treatment positives when hCG is still rising. Retesting thoughtfully usually gives more clarity.