Could I be pregnant? Struggling with false hope

[RMarieClaire]

So I'm on CD37. I think I probably ovulated CD24. I took a FRER test at 10DPO (possibly 11DPO) and it was very much a BFN. I'm TTC #2 and last time got a strong positive on 8/9DPO.

I usually have a short LP, so I'm technically late, but my periods are still regulating and I'm only 13DPO. I am expecting AF any day now, and to be honest will be happy to get it so we can look ahead to the next cycle.

But I have had some symptoms and (don't laugh) a dream in which I got a BFP 😂 that have made me wonder. I don't want to allow myself false hope - seeing those blank tests is awful - and expensive! I have told myself if no AF I'll test again on Saturday but I'd rather not if there's no chance. Is there anyway? Any stories either way welcome?

Bumping for the evening crowd - 🥰

Oh girl, you could definitely still get that BFP! 13DPO is still early.

I really like the Saturday plan! I feel your pain, my cycles are normally pretty regular so being late feels unfair haha. I got a BFN on 15DPO and my BBT lowered so I know AF is due, but it's different for you. Xx

Thanks @LeopardLover - it's weird, usually I'm desperate to POAS but this time I'm dreading it. Hoping AF arrives tomorrow or Friday. Otherwise I'll know I'm late but that AF may not arrive for god knows how long. I'm still breastfeeding my first so it's possible it could be months and the cycle I had was just a one off. Frustrating as we waited ages for it and I got so excited when it came!

Any sign your side? We need an acronym for the between BFN and AF wait.

Hi @RMarieClaire. Your never out till AF arrives! But that is slightly more complicated if your not sure if AF will arrive. I know the wait is agony.

I know how you feel. I was convinced I was PG last cycle and each BFN is kick in the guts.

When I was breastfeeding my AF returned temporarily and then went again. When I Eventually stopped BF they returned Almost straight away.

Fingers crossed for you! 🤞

Thanks @Bouncytree - that's what I'm worried about, a long wait for everything to return normally, but at least I know it's not unusual. I'm only breastfeeding once a day most days, so hopefully that's little enough. I don't really want to stop but I am very broody!

@Bouncytree I'm sorry for your BFN - it'll happen, hard though that is to think. I thought I would be more chilled with #2 but apparently not!

Hi, I don’t fully understand all the acronyms people post on this site. It almost looks like algebra to me!
But I do know I am 11 DPO and am due AF on 20th July.

I am trying for baby number 2. The first was 6 years ago and had happened instantly after running out of the contraceptive pill. It was very unexpected therefore no watching out for symptoms at all!
This time round I’m picking up on every little thing, googling it and tracking it on an app. Driving myself mad!
This is only the second cycle of TTC but it’s already shocked me that it hasn’t happened straight away, I had just never considered the idea that it might take any length of time. I guess I am older now so more chance of infertility.
Out of interest, what other symptoms have you had so far?

@EmmieG11 I find it hard to distinguish between PMS and early pregnancy. I've had mild cramping, headaches and more EWCM. Also gagged at my daughters vitamins - they are gross though.

I think it's such a shock when you find out getting pregnant isn't always easy. All that time spent focusing on not getting pregnant when I was young!

@RMarieClaire that’s hilarious but true! Maybe we didn’t need to try so hard to prevent it!
I’m struggling with differentiating them too. Feel like I can find an alternative explanation for all my symptoms. I have massive sore boobs right now (could be PMS although they’re not usually like this), I keep getting boiling hot (it is July), blocked nose (could be hayfever), at the weekend I had mild cramps that seemed like implantation (could have been the fact I walked up a massive hill in the Lake District and pulled a load of muscles!), headaches (probably due to working from home on a tiny laptop), getting little sharp pains in hips (god knows). The list is endless! Can’t wait for next week to see if AF comes to end this constant wondering....well for a couple of weeks....

I recently found out my brother and his wife have been trying for their second (I haven’t told them I am). She is the same age as me and probably way healthier. Found out they’re starting IVF so they must have been trying a while. This has made me lose hope a bit. Feel like if she’s struggling then I definitely will! Probably being a bit dramatic I know!

Any more signs for you? Or AF arrived?

No AF yet - day 39. I think I'll need to test this afternoon or tomorrow morning. Hard to do FMU at the moment though as DD has been getting up at 4am 😬 and don't want to leave any more space for probably false hope.

Felt quite emotional last night - always a PMS sign - and a bit crampy in the day. But those are pretty inconclusive symptoms.

It's weird. I'm usually so quick to POAS, but I think because I don't know if when AF will come I'll find the BFN extra awful!

[quote EmmieG11]@RMarieClaire that’s hilarious but true! Maybe we didn’t need to try so hard to prevent it!
I’m struggling with differentiating them too. Feel like I can find an alternative explanation for all my symptoms. I have massive sore boobs right now (could be PMS although they’re not usually like this), I keep getting boiling hot (it is July), blocked nose (could be hayfever), at the weekend I had mild cramps that seemed like implantation (could have been the fact I walked up a massive hill in the Lake District and pulled a load of muscles!), headaches (probably due to working from home on a tiny laptop), getting little sharp pains in hips (god knows). The list is endless! Can’t wait for next week to see if AF comes to end this constant wondering....well for a couple of weeks....

I recently found out my brother and his wife have been trying for their second (I haven’t told them I am). She is the same age as me and probably way healthier. Found out they’re starting IVF so they must have been trying a while. This has made me lose hope a bit. Feel like if she’s struggling then I definitely will! Probably being a bit dramatic I know!

Any more signs for you? Or AF arrived?[/quote]
Sorry to hear about your SIL but don't lose hope. It's far more likely that you'll conceive without issue. I have friends who have done IVF, others who got their BFP first cycle. There's no reason sometimes. FX it's quick for you

Just got my BFN - no AF yet though. Will just have to hope it comes soon. CD 39 and counting! On the plus side, I can have a nice bottle of wine tonight!

Oh I'm sorry @RMarieClaire - hope it arrives soon xx

@RMarieClaire yes you aren’t out until AF arrives so hold on to a bit of hope!
After speaking with a pregnant colleague yesterday about all my symptoms, I bought a £1 test from Savers as she advised. Did the test yesterday evening and had a faint but definite line. Thought I would then use a test I already had at home first thing this morning thinking the line would be darker in the morning but it’s actually fainter! They are two different brands though.
I’m tempted to go out and buy a load more now but trying to control myself! Feel like I should wait until at least Monday when AF is due.
Fingers crossed for you. X