reliability of early pregnancy tests

[ellpea]

any advice on using the "first response" pregnancy test? I've just got a negative result from it - 3 days before my period is due. I've got some pregnancy symptoms but they could be stress/PMT. Just want to know so I know whether I can have a few glasses of wine or not this weekend!

Not sure, but I do know my friend who's about to give birth got a negative result the first time she took a test, which was after her period was due. I always err on the side of caution, but I'm a bit too careful I think. xx

Yes, I suspect the tests are more unreliable than they make themselves out to be.

From what I've seen on mumsnet, early tests (ie;before period is due) are just not reliable.

I would try and forget about it for three or four days, then test again if necessary (I do know how tempting early testing is though!)

I would drink wine while TTC, but I wouldn't get drunk.

I suspect reliability depends a lot on your cycle - mine's irregular and on the long side - I tested negative a week after period was due and then positive about a week later. At a scan when I thought I was 11+2 weeks growth indicated that I was only 9+4, and rebooked 12 week scan confirmed the first dating scan.

Very tempting! I know I should just relax and let things be. I got pregnant with no 1 by accident so didn't have to go through all of this.

When trying to resist the temptation to test early, it helped me to remember that these companies are just out to get our money

hmm thanks elkiedee. I got pregnant on day 9 of my cycle last time (it was quite easy to date!). This time, we're trying and so took a much more machine-like approach, having sex every other day over a week or so, so it's more unpredictable. And far less enjoyable! Wish I could just chill out about it but I'm 38 and worrying that time is running out....

My period usually comes day 28 (ovulate day 14)

so i was testing on day 25,- 30 with negative results,

Then on day 36 I got a BFP, I had ovulated late!

So you may be pregnant just too early for it to show if you ovulated later than usual.

How are you so sure of your ovulation days? Do you test? I'm wondering whether to start if I'm not pregnant but a bit worried my husband is already hating the military-campaign approach!

I resist the urge to test now because I always think that about the companies being after cash!! It does help. I've sort of made a rule that I won't test unless I am 2 full days late now, as my period sometimes comes later than usual since my miscarriage. Even when I have tested and got a negative result, I have never believed it until I got my period anyway!

I'm not using the Ovulation kits this month...going to try to relax more and see what happens.

Yes I tested but also looked out for EWCM and cramps, then timed how long it took for period to come after those symptoms.

I didn't realise I had ovulated late that month as I thought we had 'missed the boat' that cycle, just happened to have sex on day 21 when I was ovulating so was chance!

Doing the tests has not been a very positive experience for us so far, but I do know people who have got pregnant using them, ellpea. I think it's maybe a good idea to do for a few months just to know roughly when you do ovulate - I ovulate quite late, it seems, so at least I know that now. xx