First Pregnancy 5+4 - Dreaded Clearblue, Cramping and imminent holiday.

[Catinajar]

Hi all,

As I say, this is my first pregnancy. I got my first BFP 12 days ago, which was quite a strong line really considering it was two days before AF was due. I have an underactive thyroid which is controlled at the moment and a hx of eating disorders which I thought would have made it impossible to have a baby...but there was my little miracle positive.

Anyway, that week I tested 1-2 weeks on CB on the Thursday night and 2-3 by the Sunday night. I tested again this morning (so 8 days since last test) and I'm still 2-3 weeks on the test. I started cramping badly yesterday in my stomach and back and had to leave work early (managers know I'm pregnant).

I've called my community midwives who aren't interested until I have a booking in appointment, and the early pregnancy unit who, again, won't do anything until 8 weeks. My GP surgery is full. I haven't had any bloods taken yet to confirm the pregnancy (although after well over 25 positives and a missed period, I think I am...) so I can't confirm or check my HCG results. I only have the CB to go on.

I am also supposed to be going on holiday to France for a week tomorrow. It's all bought and paid for, but I'm obviously concerned with the combination of the test results and the cramping that something is wrong, and nobody seems to want to, or be able to help.

If anyone has been there or has any advice, I'd be so grateful. I'd like to stop crying for long enough to back to work tonight!

Thankyou.

Gemma

Clear Blue digital are notorious for being inaccurate, my friend kept doing them and it never progressed to 3 plus until she was around 9 weeks, she now has a happy 2 and a half year old.

I did two tests on the day I found out and then another when I was 9 weeks (standard test) and left it at that, because I didn't want to drive myself crazy with it.

If you are worried you could always see if there are any private scans available in your area. I had one done at just under 9 weeks, but you can get them earlier

CB tests aren't that accurate in terms of the weeks indicator. I think 25 positives is a strong message that you are pregnant.

In terms of cramping this is also a sign that your pregnancy is progressing as everything is changing inside of you. It isn't necessarily a bad thing. In your 1st pregnancy you only have experience that associated cramping with your period. So it is natural to think the worst.

I would go on your holiday, stop testing and enjoy it and have your booking in appt sorted for your return. You could also book an early scan for when you get back, it would be too early at the moment which would result in further anxiety.

If its any help, I am 6 weeks exactly today and getting cramps, some have been quite painful but mostly dull aches. I'm thinking its normal :-) Go and relax on your holiday :-) x....and congratulations!

At 5+4 cramps/ period type cramps are not only normal but are almost to be expected.

As PPs have said the conception indicators aren't all that accurate. The cynical side of me thinks this is so people go out and buy more tests at £10 a pop, but the more logical side thinks it's because quantities of HCG vary so much between each woman and pregnancy.

Stop testing, you ARE pregnant so there is just no need. Have a lovely holiday in France and do try not to worry.

Congratulations and best wishes x

I posted something very similar a couple of weeks ago. I got an unexpected 2-3 and was really upset. It took me until I was 7 weeks before I got a 3+

After extensive googling I saw that hgc levels are very personal to each women and the range is incredible so they cannot be relied upon.

Lots of women commented saying very similar had happened to them.

Massive unmumsnetty hug - I know how you feel and its shite isn't it. Just feel so helpless don't you. I have a scan booked for Saturday when i should be 8 weeks and I'm half dreading it.

Cramping was my main early symptom. I'm now 26 weeks and all is fine. I think unless there is a lot of bleeding then it's completely normal!