Phantom/False Pregnancy After Miscarriage

[hedgehog1518]

We miscarried in March this year and are on the second cycle. About a week after suspected ovulation (last week) I started having what I thought were symptoms (fatigue, nausea) and utterly convinced myself I was pregnant and started obsessively testing every day. Every single one was negative but of course technically it could have been too early. But normally there’s at least the tiniest line a few days before due on and there was zilch. Over the weekend I’ve realised that what I’m experiencing is 100% a phantom pregnancy and I’m so embarrassed.

I’d completely convinced myself it was true and it simply isn’t. There was such an unbelievably slim chance this month. AF still hasn’t come (CD27 but I was 25 days last month and the strip test today was 100% negative) but I think the stress I’ve built up in my head has delayed it. My gut now says it was all in my head and the nausea has disappeared.

What I want to know is has anyone else experienced this and how did you stop looking for signs and stay calm the next time? I can’t do this every month I’ll drive myself completely insane. I already feel incredibly stupid. Thanks in advance.

@hedgehog1518 try not to be so hard on yourself - getting pregnant is something you desperately want so of course you're likely to read into things, or your brain trick you into feeling like you're having pregnancy symptoms.

In all reality the things you're feeling are from hormonal shifts, but this doesn't mean pregnancy necessarily. It's one of the cruel parts of TTC where period symptoms are so similar to pregnancy symptoms 😖

I've had 3 losses (most recent was just last week so I can't tell you what I'll be like when my cycle comes back this time!), but the last time I remember wanting to find signs in every tiny thing for the first few months. It's not unusual at all. Just have to try to keep as busy as possible to keep your mind off it best you can. I definitely started trying to symptom spot less and less as the months went on x

I’m so sorry for your loss and sending so much love ♥️

Thank you - It’s technically the first cycle since that conception has had a slight possibility but the anxiety and want has hit me much harder than I expected. It’s good to hear the stress dissipates a little with time. I wfh usually alone and I think sitting at my desk with not a huge workload has let in all the thoughts. I’ll work on trying to be busier/distracted more!