Line on test getting fainter. Will I definitely miscarry?

[TTCsince2024]

Hi everyone! I got a BFP with my second IVF transfer a few weeks ago. Since then I've been testing every day or every other day to make sure the line is getting darker (my first transfer was a chemical pregnancy and the test turned negative before week 5 so we have been a bit nervous!). Two days ago the line got a bit lighter (pic attached). And this morning it got a bit lighter again (today is 6 weeks 3 days). Is this definitely the sign that a miscarriage is coming? Most websites say falling HCG is clear sign of nonviable pregnancy (tho some mixed info on whether pregnancy tests are reliable for measuring this, altho dominant view seems to be that tests are relatively reliable for it) but I also found a medical article saying that it's possible that it may be viable if the HCG level has already reached a high point in week 6 (here's the article). Has anyone experienced this? Or have any other good resources on this? I'm not sure if I should still have hope or already prepare myself for a miscarriage... :/

With all the kindness in the world, please stop testing. You're torturing yourself. Home pregnancy tests are designed as a yes/no and are not designed to continue to be used to check if a pregnancy is progressing. If it's an IVF pregnancy you should be able to get HCG checked via blood test which is a much more reliable indicator of where your HCG is.

Have a google of the “hook effect”. If you need to keep testing, try diluting your urine with water. It may be that the levels of HCG are now too high and are confusing the tests.

If you’re really worried, you can give your GP a call and they might see you at the EPU. They will usually scan after 6 weeks but might need convincing that it’s necessary. Good luck! X

Thanks @Moosey898 and @vitalityvix !! This does help. I'm trying to see if I can get an appointment with my GP now. My IVF hospital only offered an ultrasound in week 8, which feels very far away. I'll try to relax a bit and not give up hope just yet then :)

@TTCsince2024 just got to try to keep hold of hope and keep yourself busy and distracted. Trust me, I totally understand how hard it is, I've had so many losses now and pregnancy after loss is so difficult. Fingers crossed for a good scan in a couple of weeks x

In the kindest way - stop testing. Line progressions really means nothing in these tests. I've been there - I've had strong progressing lines that resulted in MMC and faint hardly there no progression line which have resulted in a successful pregnancy.

Its highly unlikely anywhere will scan you before 8 weeks, 6 at the earliest - my local EPU doesn't unless there is a potentially ectopic issue and I've been referred into them for alot of issues previously. And even if they did you would likely be left in limbo as they wouldn't diagnoses a miscarriage until after 2 scans a certain period apart.

Try to distract yourself for the wait for the IVF scan

Wow that's really interesting @SJM1988 . Thanks! I had no idea the preganancy lines fading/strengthening could be so unpredictable. Have asked for an EPU appt but helpful to know that they probably won't give me one and that it probably won't help calm my nerves that much anyway. So just trying to keep calm, distracted and remain hopeful ... although is easier said than done :)

Sending hugs. Find a new hobby - I baked alot!
If my losses have taught my anything its that symptoms and line progression are meaningless and scans are just a snapshot in time. I had alot with my last successful pregnancy and they ended up causing more anxiety then they were worth...but they were consultant ordered so had to do them.

Thanks! :) And thanks also from my partner who was even more stressed out than me by the fading line (!). He has now been calmed down by all these comments from you all that I've read out to him. ❤