Am I M/C??

[Shebes]

Ok guys I got a little freaked out yesterday..... I hadn't done a HPT in about a week and previously all of my tests were showing the test line as soooo much darker than the control line. I did another test yesterday and it was fainter than control. Still obviously pregnant but no where near as dark as it was. I first thought it could have been because I peed quite a few times throughout the night, however this morning I did another (after I had a good nights sleep) and it was the same. Both tests were from the same box, however the one I did last week that was really dark was also from the same box.... I'm getting a little worried I may be losing it... I have my first scan next monday (I will be 9 weeks then), but I just can't wait that long. I have had no pain or blood, so I am trying to stay positive.

[soon2Bmum22]

Hi Shebes,

As far as I know it doesn't matter how dark the line is as long as its there. As long as you don't have any pain or bleeding you should be fine.

[gizmoduckus]

Sorry, I am not from your January thread but I thought I might answer.

I read somewhere on here that pregnancy tests don't measure how pregnant you are, they just show if you are pregnant or not.

I know that it is hard but please try to relax and stay positive. It is a scary thing when you are first pregnant when you don't know exactly what is going on in there. Also, I would suggest not doing any more HPT's. It would probably worry you more than reassure you.

[Shebes]

Thanks everyone.... I know I should stop worrying, but it is stressful especially when I have already M/c one. I just want to get to the 12 week mark so i can start to relax a little.

Giz - I agree with you - no more HPT!!! I promise :laughing:

[readytotry]

I just want to get to the 12 week mark so i can start to relax a little.

I know how you feel Shebes! I can't wait to reach 12 weeks!
Might be reassuring to know that I read in a magazine last night that research has found that if a fetal heartbeat is detectable at eight weeks the pregnancy has a 98% chance of continuing, with the figure increasing to 99% at 10 weeks. I like the sound of those odds!

[epiphany]

I read somewhere on here that pregnancy tests don't measure how pregnant you are, they just show if you are pregnant or not.

Absolutely, positively agree with this. Don't stress over a faint line. The fact it's there means you're pregnant. HPTs don't measure the amount of HCG but whether it's there or not. A blood test is the only way you'll get an accurate reading of how much HCG is there.

A quote from this site (http://www.peeonastick.com/hptfaq.html):

I took another test and the line is lighter. Does this mean anything? Should it get darker? Not necessarily. In general, the positive line will be darker when a greater amount of hCG is present in the urine, but not always. Some tests contain more or less dye (meaning there is just more or less color to "stick" to your hCG.) Some tests are more or less sensitive-- even 2 tests in the same box can be different. Also, your urine may have more or less hCG in it depending on what you ate or drank, or how long it's been since you last peed. Food itself does not cause false results, but can affect how much urine you have and how dilute it is. Eating salty chips and drinking caffeine all day will result in more concentrated pee, whereas gorging on watermelon and ginger ale will result in lots of very dilute pee. But an HPT is not meant to tell you "how" pregnant you are. It only tells you if you are pregnant or not. As long as there is a line in the results window, you are pregnant.

Some women experiencing early miscarriages do notice their lines getting fainter or disappearing entirely, but even if your line gets fainter, it is not a guarantee that you are miscarrying, or that anything is wrong. See FAQ 21 for normal levels of hCG and how to properly measure it.


Given that you're 8 weeks pregnant now, I honestly wouldn't be doing any more HPTs either. You're pregnant! An HPT isn't going to provide any more info :)

Big hugs - I could imagine it must be stressful for you if you've had a M/C before. But unless you have bleeding, severe cramping, or pain, I wouldn't worry about it. Try to relax & enjoy your pregnancy...& good luck for your scan next week. You'll feel heaps better when you can see that wee bubba on the screen :hugs:

[Mummy to Mason]

I did this last week after I had all that bleeding & cramping and the line seemed to be getting fainter. I had my scan on Friday just gone and the baby is fine!

I know this is such a stressful time but try not to think about it too much. Stop doing tests because they only cause more worry which you don't need :hugs:

[Shebes]

Thank you for the reassurance. I know I shouldn't have done another test. The only reason I did was we were planning on telling the family yesterday and I wanted to triple check I was still pg before jinxing it. We still ended up telling them - everyone was very happy for us :fingerscrossed: everything is ok and I'll see a strong healthy heartbeat next week.

[justmum]

OK, I *thought* that after a certain period of pregnancy, the HCG levels drop and other hormones take over so it's normal to look "less pregnant" on an HPT after a while even though you are still pregnant.

SO don't worry, it sounds like your body is doing the right thing!

[Jodestar21]

Yep, i read on a website too that after 74 days it doesnt even show as the embryo stops producing the hormone.

And i agree...stop doing things that are going to cause you to worry:shame:, you dont need it!!. I know most of us do, but honestly, the more positive you are and the less you look into things like that the happier and less stressed you will be and therefore your bub. Instead, when you get worried, do something that will make you feel good, like taking a relaxing bath or putting on some of your favourite music (better still do both), and think of that little baby inside you getting bigger and stronger every day.

Good luck next week x