When should I stop POAS?!

[hiccupgate]

I took a pregnancy test last Wednesday on the day of my missed period and got a fairly non-negotiable line, then took another positive test the next day (both Internet cheapies), then took a positive Clearblue Digital on Saturday. So I am five weeks tomorrow with mild but definitely there early preggo symptoms...but I'm having to stop myself testing every single day because I can't quite believe that it'll stick. It doesn't feel real and the only way it feels real is to keep getting those lines.

Is it reasonable to take the odd test during early pregnancy or have I gone off the deep end? There must be others who feel like this??

Lots of people POAS many times in the first few weeks. The reality is that if you have a clear line you're pretty much definitely pregnant. POAS is likely just to give you more anxiety - especially if you start the believe the whole darker line = better, thing (which, as you'll see from lots of threads here is rubbish)

I know it's hard (I'm 22 weeks, have had 3 scans and still barely believe it) but try to relax, and in a few weeks get yourself referred to a midwife. Congratulations!

When you get a positive. That's when you stop.

I've never understood this. A line is a line. You are pregnant. And I'm really sorry to say this but if you did miscarry it might not even show up as a negative test. Pregnancy is long - don't start it with obsessive stuff like this.

I think once you have a few days of definite lines, there’s really no point in continuing. Even if the worst happens, the test won’t suddenly turn negative. So there’s really no point in wasting money on tests that will only drive you crazy with the whole ‘is this darker?’ thing.

To be honest, if you have crazy first trimester symptoms, you’re going to start believing that you’re pregnant around week 6-8. That’s when the nausea really kicked in for me!!

Congratulations! Now start spending money on practical things like nappies, pram etc

Congratulations
I can understand the daily reassurance those little lines are giving you and if you can afford to test everyday then why not.

However, if you find yourself scrutinising each result and getting more anxious, maybe try to focus on the early symptoms you already have as a reminder of what's happening to your body and put the money saved from not buying any more tests towards a private, early viability scan?

I did it once, got my positive and then stopped. There's nothing to be gained from doing it over and over besides more stress on you.

There's a few weeks of 'nothing much happening' coming up now, so try and relax and book in to see your midwife at 8-10 weeks.

Also be aware, not everyone has symptoms and this is completely normal too so it shouldn't worry you into checking again. I'm now 33 weeks pregnant and I wasn't sick once, no sore boobs etc.

I don’t want to sound unsympathetic, honestly. But has there been some sort of viral marketing campaign by whoever makes the tests? Because I am sure that it is quite a new idea to test more than once. And it must be so stressful (and expensive) to keep doing it.

Try to relax about it,OP. If you feel any big changes then maybe test again, but otherwise be hopeful and happy.

I tested for four days straight, after TTC for over 3 years and numerous rounds of fertility treatment I just couldn’t help myself. Rationally I knew that I was pregnant, my irrational side just took a bit more convincing.

Hi guys,

Thanks (even for the unsympathetic responses!!)

I guess I've just spent too much time on Mumsnet reading about chemical pregnancies and how positives suddenly become negatives etc. Maybe I'll just chill out and focus on the dry heaving. It's just I got pregnant so unexpectedly quickly that I can't quite believe it's happening...