Talk to me about testing too early

[deliakate]

I was speaking to a friend yesterday who knows we are ttc, and I mentioned the agony of the tww before you can test. She looked puzzled and said "oh no, First Response can tell you much sooner". So I tested this morning - a BFN. Now I feel very disheartened.

But it could still be possible right...? My last period was 22 August, but I don't think I'm due on until some time around 27th, as I have a very long 35 day cycle. Or does this BFN mean that's it this month?

Hi deliakate I'm not an expert but have been TTC for a while so I have obsessed a LOT about testing!

Do you know when you ovulated? If you are not due on until the 27th it sounds like you might only just have ovulated which means it is far too early to test.

It can take up to ten days after ovulation for an embryo to implant and then you need at least a couple of days for the pregnancy hormones to increase to a level where they can be detected.

First Response is more sensitive than many of the other tests but is not that accurate before AF is due as, if your embryo implants around 10 DPO then you could technically be testing before it's had a chance to bed in.

Sorry you got a BFN but don't lose hope! Sounds like you should try again around the 27th. Fingers crossed for a lovely BFP for you

Hi deliakate!

You can test before AF's due date, but you may get a false negative even if you are pregnant. The accuaracy of the test will depend on it's sensitivity to HCG, the pregnancy hormone.

The NHS choices website states that:

"If the test result is positive, you're almost certainly pregnant."

"If the test result is negative, you may not be pregnant. However, negative results are less reliable."

HCG levels may not be high enough for even a sensitive pregnancy test detect if implantation has occurred late. Pregnancy tests are about 99% accurate on the day that AF is due, but only about 50% accurate 4 days before. The instructions will tell you the likelihood of an inaccurate result. If you want to test early, look for a test that's sensitivity is 25 mIU or less.

As an aside, I always test before AF's due date, but I never tell DH. DH is a GP and always counsels against testing before due date of AF. About 50% of conceptions fail to implant, do not implant properly, or fail in development and are miscarried at the time of AF. He feels that testing early can lead to a lot of disappointment and heartbreak as a couple become aware that they have conceived, but the conception isn't viable. This is very normal and doesn't mean there is anything wrong with you at all. It's known as a chemical pregnancy or missed miscarriage.

Deliakate

Sorry just re-read your post. The time between ovulation and the start of AF is called the luteal phase. In most women it lasts between 10 and 16 days. It is very consistent within the same women. That means if a woman has a 14 day luteal phase, she will almost always ovulate 14 days before the start of AF. When AF is late it is usually because a woman has ovulated later than usual rather than being due to a change in the length of her luteal phase.

You say you have a 35 day cycle and AF is not due until 27th. This means it is likely that you will ovulate some time between 11th and 16th September depending on the length of your luteal phase. Therefore testing today is too early (you may not even have ovulated yet). Please don't be disheartened . My best piece of advice would be to do some serious BD'ing as you are likely to be in your fertile period!

If you do become pregnant, and you decide to test early, testing on 23rd September with a FirstResponse may give you a positive result. For other early brands, try testing on 24th (4 days before AF).

Good luck!!! My fingers are crossed for you.

Hello Deliakate sorry about your neg test, I agree with Knackeredcow testing too early is a BAD idea, and does cause alot of heartache!...I also know how hard it is to wait! especially when you are ttc and you are in tune with all syptoms and signs!.

I tested this month 10dpo, and got twp on FR and Predictor...but today 12dpo they are negative talk about an emotional rollercoater! so just waiting for AF to arrive(due tomorrow).

I hope you get a BFP very soon.x

Hi, I know exactly how you feel, Im stupidly after testing today at 7dpo and AF not due for another 8 - 9 days - of course it was negative and I knew before hand that it would be, that said, I cant help but feel really upset now .

This is after really helping me though, so thought I'd share www.countdowntopregnancy.com/pregnancytest/

Thanks everyone. Good website BlK.

Is it the same for symptoms, or can they appear earlier than your missed AF - eg. I have sensitive boobs, a heightened sense of smell, and am absolutely knackered. Could these things happen between 1-7 dpo?