Worried....pregnancy test confusion

[Whitetara]

Hi

I've had 2 positive results each from first response and clear blue digital, but don't understand why both Boots and Tescos own brand are negative looking (though Tescos VERY faint) and the first response was quite strong both times.

I took the boots ones and the tesco one after work but then I did the same with the other two, so don't understand.
Am I pregnant or not? (I have slightly irregular cycles - varying by at most 6 days).

I'm so sorry to hear that. it's horrible isn't it? I think I can safely say this pregnancy is over. I'm guessing this is what is termed a chemical pregnancy. my thoughts are with you.

clare just to be clear I was referring to my own pregnancy being definitely over. I hope things turn out fine for you in the end.

Oh I know, don't worry, but I feel the same way myself, hugs all round eh?

clare and white - I'm so sorry that you are both having a horrible time, and I'd like to send you big hugs too!

whitetara

clare

so sorry

Thanks amazingmum and Clare. Clare I hope you're doing alright.

I suspect this is why the tests have been coming out so ambiguous and perhaps why I wasn't feeling entirely convinced and therefore compelled to do all these tests.

Feeling quite emotional. We were amazed/shocked to discover we were expecting, as we hadn't been trying, but then afterwards quite delighted, and as soon as we'd got used to the idea, we now have to get used to the idea of it not happening (for now anyway).

I can't say I'm particularly encouraged though, given my age and all, despite knowing plenty of people my age and over who have had successful pregnancies. I guess the doctor didn't sound too surprised; it was like it's expected at my grand old age (of 39). It got me wondering though, what older women's experience of healthcare is when they go through miscarriages/chemical pregnancies; whether they get the support they need or whether it's just a case of, well it's to be expected at your age.

It's just made me realise how much I wanted this baby. Now busy googling about how long to wait until trying again....I guess there must still be hope in me somewhere.

can I say that I understand that it is best to wait for one proper period to pass (it will clean out your body so to speak) before TTC

if you think you've just MC, you could take notes of your bleeding and how things change - if you have prolonged pain or keep bleeding/spotting (especially bright red blood) there might be tissue left inside, in which case you might need an ERPC (notes will come handy)

It's probably best to see gp to discuss these things if needed

there's no reason you can't have another baby and I hope you will!

it might be a good idea to start taking folic acid, good antenatal multivitamins, fish oils and some iron (Solgar's Gentle Iron is a very good product!) to build you up and give next pregnancy a strong start.

Thanks amazingmum. I think I'll do that. Good idea about the notes as well. I"ve also just been thinking about those preconception supplements; just discussed those men/women ones with dh who has also agreed to forgo his beloved hot baths! xxx

I'm so sorry.

You must be feeling a mixture of things right now. Chemical pregnancies are very common. I don't say this to minimise what you are feeling at all but to reassure you that it's not your age or anything you did. In fact they estimate that they happen in up to half of all cycles when a woman is trying. It's only sensitive early tests which are showing how common they are. It's sadly common for you to experience what you have, a mix of positive and negative tests, faint lines and then bleeding a few days later. Scans won't show anything up usually. False positives are extremely rare and usually it's a chemical pregnancy or testing too early which is responsible for the ambiguity in the majority of cases.

The good news is that you don't need to wait a cycle at all. Not physically, there's no reason. The only reason they ever say this is to help with dating and sometimes you may not be emotionally ready. But there's no actual reason you need to wait. No need to 'clear out' or 'reset'.

MN is brilliant for this sort of time. Both trying to conceive and dealing with a pregnancy loss. This is a loss. It's not 'just' chemical. You started to come to terms with a new life and letting that go isn't as simple as a chemical change.

Take folic acid if you're planning on conceiving. That's the important one. Prenatal vitamins are up to you. And best of luck to you.

Clare & White, so sorry you're having a horrible time - hugs to you both.
The uncertainty & waiting is unbearable..

I've just had similar in the last two weeks, got 2 faint positives a week after AF was due then negative tests. Had pain on right side so ended up getting checked at A&E (have had 3 previous ectopics so they're always a bit cautious)
Found some cysts which were causing the pain but looks like very early loss for me and light bleeding only just started now.

Doctor said to me that the tests out there are so sensitive now they pick up very early and years ago woman would have just thought they were having a late period. Not that that helps much
I'm 40 so know that my age is against me as well!

Thinking of you both x

Thank you Show and Theresonly. I've now sworn off early pregnancy tests; I got away with it (I now realise how narrowly) with dd2 but realise I easily it could have gone the other way. I was just reading something on the miscarriage association leaflet about dating if you try straight away which can apparently make it a bit traumatic/difficult. I can't decide if I want to try straight away or wait a cycle. I'm a bit frighted of it either happening again, or getting even further along and being that bit worse.

You're so right about Mumsnet being so good at these times. I'm sure I'll be lurking around the conception boards for the next wee while.

A thought did occur to me, that I had been taking quite a lot of decongestants for the heavy congestion I had at what I now believe to be around conception and for the week leading up to the bfp. Obviously I didn't know what was happening inside me at the time, but I wonder about that, too.

Theresonly, Im sorry to hear that you are also going through this as well. Hugs all round.