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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Why is the line on the pregnancy test getting fainter

26 replies

Momma22 · 27/08/2018 18:27

Hi ladies, just looking for some advice. I've called my local EPU but they're off for the bank holiday and won't be able to speak to anybody until tommorow morning, so wondering if any of you could put my mind at ease in the meantime ...

Basically im about 5 weeks pregnant going by my last period date (23rd July) but guessing in real terms I only conceived roughly two weeks ago, since I took countless tests and only got a clear BFP on Friday night, and I usually have longish cycles.

Anyway I took another test Saturday morning with FMU and got an even darker BFP, had mega sore boobs and was super tired all day Friday and Saturday. Then yesterday and today my symptoms seem to have dissapeared completely, so this prompted me to take another test (I'm very paranoid since I had a miscarriage back in April) and the line appears slightly fainter? I must say this wasn't with FMU and the urine I used looked a little dilute. However 2 days have gone by and this test is slightly more sensitive than the one I used on Saturday, so I thought it would be at least as dark as the last one.

I haven't had any bleeding or cramping, but I'm so scared that that's just around the corner ...

So the top test is the one I did on Saturday morning and it's 25mlu and the bottom was done about an hour ago and it's 20mlu

Please don't read and run ladies! I desperately need some advice/reassurance

Why is the line on the pregnancy test getting fainter
OP posts:
Stephisaur · 27/08/2018 18:31

I’m sorry this is stressing you out.

A couple of things:

1 - you’re only early on. At this stage, FMU is crucial as it can make SUCH a difference to the lines on your test

2 - You’ve used different brands of test. Yes, one is meant to be more sensitive than the other, but different tests will carry different amounts of dye.

I have everything crossed that this is a sticky bean for you 💐

bristolone · 27/08/2018 18:31

Isn't urine more concentrated with the hormone in the morning which might be why the Saturday one was stronger?

brokenharbour · 27/08/2018 18:32

Hmm. My tests got lighter at 6 weeks and ended in miscarriage around five days later. I was doing clear blue digi to get a 3+ but it went backwards from 2-3 to 1-2 so pretty clear cut. But they do look darker when dry so the top one will look darker naturally anyway than it was when you did it. And two days between probably isn't enough to see a real difference. It's hard but you just need to wait it out I think.

DragonMamma · 27/08/2018 18:32

Put down the tests! You’re pregnant until you’re not.

There’s nothing anybody can say that will stop you worrying (I say this in the kindest way!).

EPU won’t be able to help you, I’m afraid, unless you’re bleeding or having signs of a miscarriage.

If you want some reassurance, speak to your GP and see if they’ll do some bloods for you, although be prepared for them to say no as they don’t even do a dip test these days.

Unfortunately, one previous miscarriage isn’t enough for most health boards to go above and beyond.

It may be worth booking a reassurance scam for 7ish weeks if you’re nervous?

brokenharbour · 27/08/2018 18:33

EPU are unlikely to do anything this early btw. Too early to see anything on a scan.

TinyMarie · 27/08/2018 18:43

I agree with the poster above who said to put down the tests. I completely understand your worries but you are currently pregnant.

I took a test in the evening which had a dark line and one the next morning which appeared fainter (same brand) and I didn't think much of it. I'm now 16 weeks. If it's causing you great stress then you could ask for a blood test to check the hormone levels and then have an early scan.

Pomfluff · 27/08/2018 21:12

Urine concentration can make a huge difference! I took an early response test at 5 weeks after drinking a lot of water and it came out completely negative.

Original poster
Momma22 · 27/08/2018 21:27

I really hope you are all right! But with my sudden loss of symptoms I can't help but put two and two together. I'll call my GP in the morning, and I'll just hope for the best but prepare for the worst ...

OP posts:
Daisy2990 · 28/08/2018 08:43

Please stop testing and try to relax Smile

Even the tests designed to date you are not accurate. I took a Clearblue and got 2-3 weeks then took another a week later and got 1-2... Had a scan a few weeks later any everything was fine.

The line darkness on a norm test could be affected by the dilution of your urine or even the batch.

It's honestly better to save your energy and try not to worry unless you have a reason to. I know this is easier said than done!

Original poster
Momma22 · 28/08/2018 12:15

So called my GP this morning, made my booking in appointment, after holding for 40 mins! couldn't get an appointment until the 3rd October! By then I'll be 10w2d! Sure I had my app much earlier when I had DD.

Tried to have a word with my GP about all of this, but was fobbed off by the receptionist who gave me the number for the community midwife, who I know now only takes calls between 9 - 10pm. Tried to call my GP back but after half an hour holding the line I gave up!

So I called the EPU and they were great, they said it's quite normal for symptoms to come and go in the early stages, but if I have any heavy bleeding or severe abdominal pain to come straight to a and e. They said to wait a week and do another test, if it's still positive to ring up and they will do a reassurance scan at 8 weeks for me, but if it's negative there's no need to call them.

So basically it looks like I'll be getting a scan before I even see my midwife? I really hope that test stays positive!

OP posts:
Original poster
Momma22 · 28/08/2018 12:18

I honestly think the midwife I spoke to could sense that I was basically a nervous wreck and she's offered me the early scan so I can keep my sanity.

OP posts:
Original poster
Momma22 · 01/09/2018 09:04

Left it a few days and retested with FMU, think it's safe the day my hormone levels are rising! Grin feel a bit bitter now

Why is the line on the pregnancy test getting fainter
OP posts:
charlotte0808 · 11/07/2021 14:44

Hey @Momma22 I know this is an old post but I'm in the same position now. After 3 chemical pregnancies I'm a wreck. Found out last Friday I was pregnant again kept testing to make sure they were getting darker which they were but they have got lightener and I'm pancaking. I've been on progesterone pessaries and aspirin but I'm sure it's the same thing again! 4 weeks 4 days today the first test is 4 weeks 1 day. How did everything turn out for you?

Why is the line on the pregnancy test getting fainter
Why is the line on the pregnancy test getting fainter
Alex1989 · 05/08/2021 13:09

Hi @charlotte0808

I'm in a similar position to you, 5weeks and 4 days today, i tested positive last week which was really strong and today i've tested positive but with a faint line. I had a chemical pregnancy in March and miscarried in january.
I've had some really light spotting a few days ago but no pain or bleeding. I just wondered what your outcome was?

charlotte0808 · 05/08/2021 13:27

Hi @Alex1989 I did have another chemical pregnancy 5 weeks to the day again. They sent the pregnancy tissue off for testing which should have the results back next month. I'm waiting for a womb and ovary scan and womb biopsy. they did find I had really low vitamin d so on medication for that now. I knew what was happening though. With me it starts with spotting then bleed the next day which did happen. I'm hoping it was just down to the vitamin d but won't know unless I try again. Hopefully it's not the same outcome for you x

charlotte0808 · 05/08/2021 13:28

Have you done anymore tests since they went lighter? Mine always go fainter that's first indication I know I'll loose x

Alex1989 · 05/08/2021 13:34

@charlotte0808
Oh I'm so, so sorry you had to go through that again but I hope you get some answers this time.
I'm going to do another test in the morning and I have a scan next Wednesday morning at the EPU - I'm just really struggling waiting until then and just dont feel hopeful at all, I feel like I know whats coming and its just a waiting game. xxx

charlotte0808 · 05/08/2021 13:43

@Alex1989 it's awful feeling but because of your previous losses it makes us more paranoid and nervous so try stay positive. Havnt read back on this thread not sure if it's this one but they do say to add water sometimes because hcg is too high for the test? Maybe it's that. I actually went to see a psychic 2 days ago 🙈 not that I'm a fully believer but just desperate for good news and she told me about my miscarriages and when I lost them and said that next year I'll either have twins or get pregnant straight after another. So silly as it is I'm hoping it's true! Can't you ask for the scan earlier? X

Alex1989 · 05/08/2021 13:56

@charlotte0808 yeah I saw that on this thread too! I'll do another one in the morning and see what that one shows. You're right, I'm constantly paranoid and can't be excited at all, my partner is the same its just awful. I do feel nauseous and my boobs are really sore which I didnt have with either previous pregnancy...but where I'm so paranoid I keep thinking that its just the HCG still in my body but its going to stop!
And that's SO weird you said that about the psychic - me and my mum have been to see a few and the last time she saw one they said I would be pregnant this year and asked if twins ran in our family! Hopefully it does mean something, fingers crossed for the both of us!
My GP booked the scan for next weds (when I'll be 6 weeks) and said it would be better then incase they cant see anything before that x

charlotte0808 · 05/08/2021 14:00

@Alex1989 that's good that your still getting symptoms though my boobs stopped hurting and I just knew. She told me I was gonna have a boy and a girl and she was able to tell me I lost boys and girls 🤨 I'm hoping it's true! Well good luck to you and keep me updated let me know how the test goes in the morning xx

Alex1989 · 06/08/2021 11:05

Did another test and it showed the same! I've still got pregnancy symtpoms though so just got to wait and see what happens xx

charlotte0808 · 11/08/2021 17:32

Hi @Alex1989 how's things? X

Liziano · 16/08/2021 06:42

Hi I'm in the same position now. Am 5 weeks by period dates but I think actually 4 by when I last saw signs of ovulation. Period is 7 days late and I was testing every day with cheapo tests (one clearblue) and getting negative every time. Finally got a BFP Saturday morning EMU with early response although v faint. Now Monday tried again with EMU, same test and line still there but fainter. No preg symptoms at all. OH thinks it isn't real due to all the other negative tests. This is a rollercoaster!

Dupreez · 02/12/2021 10:31

Hey i need to know if am preggies en the test is showing one and a half

Kaw10 · 02/12/2021 12:38

@Dupreez one and a half what?Hmm

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