You want to pull off a pregnancy prank or create a convincing prop for a film project. I have been helping people create realistic fake pregnancy tests for years. This guide covers every method I know, from quick DIY hacks to professional-quality options.
The DIY methods are hit-or-miss, and most people end up frustrated. I will cover everything so you decide what works best for your situation.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this guide, you will know:
- The four main methods to create a fake positive pregnancy test
- Which methods are realistic and which are obvious fakes
- How to avoid the mistakes giving fakes away instantly
- When to order from a professional vs doing it yourself
Method 1: Pre-Made Fake Pregnancy Tests (Recommended)
Start with the easiest and most reliable option. Pre-made fake pregnancy tests are designed to look real. Their whole purpose is replication.
Why This Method Works Best
- Authentic appearance: Made to replicate real test aesthetics
- Consistent results: The “positive” line is always visible and clear
- No guesswork: You do not need to master timing or technique
- Holds up to scrutiny: Works even when someone picks it up
What to Look For
Not all fake tests are created equal. Here is what separates the good from the obvious fakes:
| Feature | Quality Fake | Cheap Fake |
|---|---|---|
| Line color | Pink/purple matching real tests | Too bright or wrong shade |
| Line intensity | Realistic opacity, not too dark | Unnaturally bold lines |
| Test window | Realistic depth and material | Flat printed look |
| Overall feel | Appropriate weight and texture | Flimsy or wrong materials |
Baby Maybe makes the most realistic fake pregnancy tests I have found. The line color and intensity are spot-on.
Method 2: The Evaporation Line Trick
This is the most common DIY method people try. It sometimes works. Emphasis on “sometimes.”
How It Works
When a real pregnancy test dries out after use, a faint evaporation line sometimes appears where the test line would be. The idea is to use an old negative test and let it develop an evap line.
Step-by-Step Process
- Get a real pregnancy test (unused, or use your own negative test)
- Dip in water or use normally if unused
- Wait 30+ minutes past the reading window
- Check for an evaporation line in the test area
- If present, the line looks like a faint positive
Problems with This Method
- Lines are often barely visible or colorless
- Results vary wildly between test brands
- Anyone who has taken a pregnancy test will spot the difference
- The test looks “used” which raises suspicion
Method 3: DIY Drawing Methods
Some people try to create fake positive lines using markers, nail polish, or other materials. I have rarely seen this work convincingly.
Materials People Try
- Fine-tip pink markers: Color is almost always wrong
- Nail polish: Too shiny and wrong texture
- Food coloring: Bleeds and wrong shade
- Acrylic paint: Sits on top of the test window unnaturally
Why This Usually Fails
The test line on a real pregnancy test appears within the test strip material. It does not sit on top. When you draw a line, it is clearly on the surface, and the texture is wrong. Under any kind of examination, it is obvious.
Method 4: Digital Test Hacks
Digital pregnancy tests (like Clearblue Digital) show “Pregnant” or “Not Pregnant” on a screen. Some people try to manipulate these.
Methods People Try
- Opening the test: The screen is a simple LCD triggered by the strip. You cannot reprogram it.
- Photo manipulation: Take a photo and edit “Pregnant” into the window
- Screen replacement: Some try replacing the screen with a printed image
Reality Check
Digital tests are harder to fake convincingly. The LCD screen has a specific appearance. Anyone picking up the test will immediately notice something is off if it has been tampered with. Photo manipulation only works if the person never handles the test.
What Makes a Fake Pregnancy Test Convincing
Whether you are going DIY or buying a pre-made fake, here is what matters for realism:
1. Line Color and Intensity
Real positive lines are pink or purple depending on the brand. Never red, never blue (unless it is a blue dye test), never perfectly dark. A faint-to-medium intensity line is more believable than a super bold one.
2. Line Position and Width
The test line appears in a specific spot within the test window. DIY methods often put lines in slightly wrong positions or make them too wide/narrow.
3. Test Condition
A “fresh” looking test is more believable. If it looks dried out, discolored, or damaged, it raises questions.
4. Brand Consistency
Different pregnancy test brands look different. First Response has pink lines, Clearblue has different versions, generic brands vary widely. If someone recognizes the brand, the details need to match.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I have seen a lot of fake pregnancy tests over the years. Here is what immediately gives them away:
| Mistake | Why It Is Obvious |
|---|---|
| Wrong line color | Red marker on a pink-dye test screams fake |
| Lines too bold | Real early positives are often faint |
| Visible tampering | Scratches, marks, or residue on the test window |
| Missing control line | Real tests always show a control line too |
| Line on the surface | Real lines appear within the strip, not on top |
| Test looks too old/damaged | Why would you keep a damaged test? |
Professional Service vs DIY: Comparison
Here is my assessment after years of experience:
When DIY Works
- Low-stakes pranks where close inspection is unlikely
- Social media photos where no one handles the test
- You have time and patience to experiment
- You are okay with multiple failed attempts
When You Need Professional Quality
- April Fools or important pranks where people look closely
- Film/theater props needing to look right on camera
- Any situation where the test will be handed to someone
- You need it to work the first time
DIY methods have about a 20% success rate at best. Even then, they usually only pass a quick glance. If the prank matters to you, a pre-made fake from Baby Maybe Shop is worth the small investment.
Cost Comparison
| Method | Cost | Success Rate | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evap line trick | $5-15 (test cost) | ~15% | 30+ minutes per attempt |
| DIY drawing | $10-20 (supplies + tests) | ~10% | Multiple attempts |
| Digital hack | $15-25 (digital test) | ~5% | High effort |
| Pre-made fake | $10-20 | ~95%+ | Order and wait |
Pair It with a Fake Ultrasound
For maximum impact, many people pair their fake pregnancy test with a fake ultrasound. The combination is more convincing than either alone, especially for pranks or announcements.
Check out our best fake pregnancy tests review and best fake ultrasound websites for my top picks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I buy fake pregnancy tests online?
Several retailers sell pre-made fake pregnancy tests designed for pranks and props. I recommend checking the comparison in the Pro vs DIY section above for the best options.
Does the evaporation line method work on any test?
No. Different test brands have different chemistry. Many do not develop visible evap lines at all. Even when they do, the lines are often colorless or barely visible. It is unreliable.
Is it possible to make a digital pregnancy test show positive?
Not easily. Digital tests cannot be reprogrammed, and physical tampering is usually obvious. Your best bet for digital-style fakes is photo manipulation or ordering a purpose-made fake.
How long does a fake pregnancy test last?
Pre-made fakes last indefinitely since the “positive” result is permanently set. DIY attempts using real tests fade or change over time, especially evaporation lines.
What is the most convincing method?
Pre-made fake tests designed for this purpose. They are made to look authentic from the start. DIY methods try to hack a product designed to show accurate results. You are fighting the design.
Are fake pregnancy tests legal?
For personal pranks, props, film use, and entertainment, yes. Using them for fraud, deception in legal matters, or to manipulate relationships is where you would get into trouble. Keep it fun and ethical. See our guide on fake ultrasound legal considerations for more.
Do these work for an April Fools prank?
Absolutely. April Fools is one of the most popular uses. Check out our April Fools pregnancy prank ideas for inspiration on how to pull it off.
