A query about clear blue pregnancy tests please

[QuestionTime2018]

So, it has been many years since I have had to look at one of these, but could do with some advice.

Clear blue test, the simple plus or negative kind, is showing a single horizontal (minus) line. This is on evening urine, and at approx 24 weeks if actually a positive.

Would a test give an accurate measure this far along? Any thoughts?

Hopeful bump

At that gestation, no, I don't think you can rely on home pregnancy tests.
Something about the hormones settling, I believe.
Is it a case of you suspecting 24 weeks along because of absent periods? And no other positive pregnancy tests?
Best to ask your GP for a blood test.

Last time sexually actively was then, no symptoms since then, apart from weight gain around the middle.

Two forms of contraception used.

Hopeful bump for other thoughts.

Last bump - just interested if anyone else has been in this situation and can give some input.

I may be completely wrong but if two forms of contraception were used and it would be that far along I'm guessing you're not pregnant.

That would be the preferred outcome.

However, the weight gain is out of character and people are asking. I suspect stress and comfort eating and general lethargy, but just wondered if tests could be trusted that far along.

I did one of my friends pregnancy tests when I was around 5 months to see if they were working.
Internet cheapies and she was trying- got an instant positive, hth.

Pregnancy week
Standard hCG range
7–8 weeks
7,650–229,000 mIU/mL
9–12 weeks
25,700–288,000 mIU/mL
13–16 weeks
13,300–254,000 mIU/mL
17–24 weeks
4,060–165,400 mIU/mL

It should be picked up by a pregnancy test.

That’s very reassuring, thank you.

I know someone who did a test at 37 weeks to settle this "You cant get a positive after X weeks" argument on another website and got a BFP virtually straight away.

One way to find out is to lie flat on the bed. Start by locating your pubic bone and feel upwards. Your tummy should be (fairly) squishy and you can push into it without any resistance. If it is very firm and you can feel around the edge like a ball then there is something there that could be a pregnancy but either way needs investigating.

Thank you - will do the tummy squish test.

I didn't get positive after 16 weeks (pregnancy after miscarriages led to POAS obsession) however I know plenty of people who did right through so I wouldn't worry too much

I did one last week (an internet cheapy as that's what I had). I'm 24 weeks.

I did it because of all the people on here who talk about negatives when you have lots of HCG.

It was a bright beaming positive.

However, clear blue are shit, so if you want to be certain buy a digital or a first response rapid result test.

I think perhaps a chat with the GP is in order.

If your tummy was hard and swollen, where was the top of the "ball" in relation to your belly button?

Please talk to your gp. There are other things that can cause weight gain to tummy area only and they need to be investigated.

Yep.

I’m being a bit discreet here, this is not me but a relative I am concerned for.

I will be urging them to seek a second opinion from a trained person.