So you need a fake pregnancy test. Perhaps it’s for the ultimate April Fools’ prank, a hilarious gag gift, or a film project needing a convincing prop. Whatever your reason, I’ve spent hours researching this topic so you don’t have to.
In this guide, I walk you through everything: the different types of fake pregnancy tests available, how they work, where to get the best ones, and some creative ideas for putting them to use.
What Is a Fake Pregnancy Test?
A fake pregnancy test is a novelty item designed to look like a real pregnancy test but shows a positive (or sometimes negative) result regardless of pregnancy status. They’re created for entertainment purposes: pranks, props, gag gifts, and creative projects.
Before we go any further, let me be clear: these are meant for fun and harmless entertainment. Using them for fraud, manipulation, or to deceive someone in a harmful way is wrong, and in some cases, illegal. More on this later.
The fake pregnancy test market has grown in recent years. What used to be cheap dollar-store gags have evolved into convincing replicas. The best ones fool even a skeptical eye.
Types of Fake Pregnancy Tests
Not all fake pregnancy tests are created equal. Here’s the breakdown of available options:
1. Pre-Made Positive Tests
These come showing a positive result from the start. They’re designed to look like popular brands: two pink lines, a plus sign, or the word “Pregnant” on digital-style displays. The result is permanent and won’t fade or change.
Best for: Quick pranks where you don’t want any setup time.
2. Always-Positive Tests
These are designed so no matter what liquid you use, water, juice, or anything else, they show positive. The chemistry is rigged from the start.
Best for: Interactive pranks where someone wants to “test” the result themselves.
3. Digital Display Fakes
More sophisticated options feature fake digital screens displaying “Pregnant” or “Yes+”. Some have working buttons and lights to add realism.
Best for: When you need maximum believability for pranks or props.
4. DIY/Manipulated Tests
Some people try to create fake positives using real tests and various household substances. The results are obvious and unconvincing. I don’t recommend this route.
Best for: Nothing. The quality is poor and the effort isn’t worth the result.
How They Work
Real pregnancy tests detect a hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in urine. The test contains antibodies reacting to hCG, triggering the colored lines or digital display.
Fake pregnancy tests bypass this entirely. Depending on the type:
- Pre-made positives have the result lines or display pre-printed or pre-set
- Always-positive tests use chemicals reacting to any liquid, not specifically hCG
- Digital fakes have programmed displays showing positive regardless of input
Where to Buy Fake Pregnancy Tests
You’ve got several options when shopping for fake pregnancy tests:
Online Specialty Shops
The best quality fake pregnancy tests come from dedicated novelty shops specializing in realistic prank items. BabyMaybe is my personal go-to. They offer convincing tests looking legit, not like cheap dollar store gags.
Amazon and General Retailers
You’ll find options on Amazon, but quality varies wildly. Read reviews carefully. Some are clearly fake at a glance, while others are good. Look for listings with photo reviews so you see what you’re getting.
Party Supply Stores
Spencer’s, Party City, and similar stores often carry prank pregnancy tests, especially around April Fools’ Day. Quality tends to be hit or miss, but they’re convenient if you need something last-minute.
Dollar Stores
Dollar store fake pregnancy tests are pretty obvious. They work for a quick laugh with someone not looking closely, but they won’t fool anyone taking a real look.
Creative Ways to Use Them
Here’s where the fun begins. Fake pregnancy tests have some genuinely entertaining uses:
Epic Pranks
The classic use case. April Fools’ Day, birthday pranks, or a random Tuesday when you feel like causing some chaos. The key is knowing your audience. Some people find this hilarious, others won’t.
Gag Gifts
Fake pregnancy tests make great gag gifts for:
- Bachelorette parties
- Baby showers (to give the mom-to-be a laugh)
- Birthday gifts for friends with a good sense of humor
- White elephant gift exchanges
Film and Theater Props
If you’re working on a film, TV show, student project, or theater production, fake pregnancy tests are essential props. Real tests are unreliable and expensive to keep replacing, plus you need consistent results take after take.
Social Media Content
Content creators use fake pregnancy tests for reaction videos, prank content, and comedy sketches. Be responsible about how you frame the content. Leading your audience on for too long isn’t cool.
Practice Announcements
Some people use fake pregnancy tests to practice how they’ll share the real news when the time comes. You want to see how the reveal will look in photos before you do the real thing.
Tips for Maximum Realism
If you’re committed to pulling off a convincing fake, here are some insider tips:
Choose the Right Brand Style
Most people are familiar with specific brands like Clearblue, First Response, or generic pink-line tests. Pick a style your target will recognize.
Mind the Details
- Make sure the test window looks realistic, with no bubbles, smudges, or obvious printing issues
- The result lines should be the right shade and thickness
- Include the cap if the real version has one
Packaging Matters
A test still in realistic packaging is far more convincing than a loose test sitting on a counter. Some higher-quality fakes come with complete packaging.
Timing and Context
How you present the fake matters as much as the fake itself. Leave the test somewhere natural to be found, or present the fake in a believable way. Don’t oversell the prank.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Let’s get serious for a minute. Fake pregnancy tests are novelty items meant for entertainment. There are clear lines you shouldn’t cross.
What’s Fine
- Pranks on friends and family who have a good sense of humor
- Props for creative projects and media
- Gag gifts where everyone’s in on the joke
- Comedy sketches and content creation
What’s Not Okay (and Potentially Illegal)
- Fraudulently claiming pregnancy to manipulate someone
- Using a fake test to extort money or benefits
- Deceiving someone in a way causing real harm
- Any situation where legal consequences result
Know Your Audience
Even for harmless pranks, consider whether your target will find the prank funny. Pregnancy is a sensitive topic for people struggling with fertility, those who’ve experienced loss, or people in complicated relationship situations. Read the room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do fake pregnancy tests fool people?
Quality ones do. The best fake pregnancy tests are nearly indistinguishable from real ones at a glance. Cheaper ones are more obvious. You get what you pay for.
How much do fake pregnancy tests cost?
Prices range from a couple dollars for basic novelty tests to $15-20+ for highly realistic ones with proper packaging. Specialty shops like Baby Maybe offer quality options at reasonable prices.
Will a fake pregnancy test work with water?
Depends on the type. Pre-made positives don’t need any liquid, the result is already there. “Always positive” tests show positive with any liquid. For most uses, you don’t need the test to work, the test needs to look convincing.
How long does a fake pregnancy test last?
Pre-made fake tests are permanent. The result won’t fade or change. Unlike real tests (fading or darkening over time), a quality fake stays exactly how the manufacturer made the test.
Do pharmacies sell fake pregnancy tests?
No, pharmacies only sell real pregnancy tests. You’ll need to look at novelty shops, online retailers, or party supply stores for fakes.
What’s the difference between a fake pregnancy test and a fake ultrasound?
Pregnancy tests are the simple positive/negative result you pee on. Ultrasounds are detailed images showing the baby’s development. For a complete prank or announcement setup, some people use both together for maximum impact. Check out our reviews of the best fake pregnancy tests and tutorial on making them look convincing.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re planning the perfect prank, need a prop for your creative project, or want to have some fun, fake pregnancy tests are a hilarious addition to your arsenal.
My recommendation? Skip the cheap dollar store options and go with something looking convincing. Your prank target (or your props department) will thank you.
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