Day 21 blood test and can't count!

[blondel]

My GP suggested a blood test on day 21 to check everything is ok. I've had a really strange period and don't know what I should count as day 1. Help!!!

I was due AF on 14th March. I started spotting on 12th March and didn't have a proper flow (tmi!) until 16th March. The spotting was a mix of brown and red but not enough for me normally. I'm normally regular, give or take the odd day.

Should you count spotting as day 1 or should I count when it was a full period?

I provisionally booked the 4th April to fit with my normal date but now I wonder if I should change? Very confused!

Really the "day 21" blood test should be taken at 7 days post ovulation. If you know when you ovulated then you can book it for the right time. Day 21 is only 7dpo if you have a regular 28 day cycle with ovulation on day 14.

If you don't know, I'd count from when you had a proper period, I wouldn't count the spotting.

As far as I know day 1 is the first day of proper flow, the first time you need a tampon etc.

However, this doesn't mean that 'day 21' is 21 days after AF. It needs to be 7 days past ovulation and before your AF.

I had day 21 bloods done on day 28 and AF came 5 days later and that was fine.

Thanks for the advice! I'll keep using my ovulation kit to get the right day and change if I need to. My GP practise is hopeless for appointments though :-(

If the test doesn't need to be exactly day 21 then that should help! The thing is they're only doing it as a formality. I know I'm ovulating because of the test kit. Our problem is with my OH and this is to get us through the door so the hospital have all the info. At least it would let us know if there's another issue I suppose.