Pregnancy test line not getting darker - 17DPO - with pic

[JourneyToParenthood]

Hi all

I ovulated on 11th December. My period was due around 24th/25th December. It never arrived. I tested on 26th December and got a very very faint positive. Tested yesterday (middle test in pic) and it was darker and today (bottom test in pic) and the line is exactly the same.

I have been having - what I thought was - implantation bleeding (brown, super light) since 22nd December.

This is baby number 2. I am sure with baby number 1 my pregnancy test got rapidly darker within a matter of days.

Should I go to docs? Any advice appreciated

I don't think the doctor will be able to do much at this stage, I would give it a few days before testing again. Lots of things affect the darkness of lines. I had implantation bleeding for about a week when I was due.

I agree with the above comment, the doctors won't do anything. In fact our pregnancy assessment unit won't see you until you're 16+ weeks. It's just a waiting game I'm afraid.

Thanks all. Do you think it could still be positive news at this stage?

Please don't worry about the darkness of the line.

Scientifically speaking, I don't think it's that accurate to compare darkness of two different test types, I would focus on the fact that if the two same test types (the strips) the test has gotten darker. At this point I'd go for the digital test type that tells you how many weeks for an indication of progression.

I certainly wouldn't be feeling negative about it. Two different types of tests, but also tests aren't supposed to be used in that way, so don't panic just yet.

I wouldn't compare lines on two completely different test brands

There are various factors that can affect strength of the line. Even when you're serval weeks along.

I wouldn't worry or test anymore

Hi All

I just wanted to update on my original post in case it’s helpful for anyone.

I continued spotting brown and some light red blood for over 2 weeks. So light that I didn’t need to wear a pad. I did a few more tests and the line has never got darker on any brand of test. It was still as light as these pictures, yesterday, even though I would be almost at week 7.

Booked in to EPU this morning to find out what was going on. Today, I started bleeding a lot heavier. Still no pain or cramping. EPU confirmed a pregnancy in unknown location. My HCG level is 250 and progesterone is 9. I’m booked in for another scan and appointment in two days time. I just knew things weren’t right. So glad I booked in to EPU and listened to my instincts. Hoping this isn’t ectopic but feeling quite confident it’s a miscarriage at this point unfortunately.

Thanks

Further update - unfortunately it was an ectopic pregnancy and I had surgery to remove a fallopian tube. I want to add that I had NO symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy (other than the spotting).

The slow/no line progression on my pregnancy tests really highlighted that there was an issue for me and I think it’s important to consider this (alongside any other symptoms) if you are in the same situation.

Your lines seemed fine considering how early it was but you're right about trusting your gut.

Sorry to hear you lose a fallopian tube. Considering you had no pain/ symptoms I'm surprised they didn't attempt a medical abortion first to try and preserve the tube.

Hope you have a smooth recovery, and a much easier ride in your next pregnancy

Thank you for your kind message. Unfortunately as I had some free fluid in my pelvis, possible rupture, l couldn’t have medical management. The injection makes your HCG increase rapidly before falling, and they felt things were not stable enough for this. I was hoping I’d be able to go down this route too.

Hi! Sorry to read your updates. Hope you are recovering well after the surgery.

I had an ectopic about 14 months ago. V similar to yours - hardly any pain, but some bleeding/no progression on tests. I also needed surgery due to blood outside my tube (about 500ml squelching about in there!)

Anyway wanted to say that after a break TTC, I am 8wks pregnant, conceived 2nd cycle.

In my opinion, it's actually better to have the tube removed. Otherwise, there's a higher risk of a second ectopic, due to scarring in the tube. Having 1 tube doesn't reduce your fertility by 50% as you'd expect, because the remaining tube can collect an egg from either ovary. Crazy but true!

Good luck x