LMP 6 wks ago, clearblue says 1-2 (I'm 41)

[Philbobs]

Hi all,

This is my first pregnancy and first post so bear with.

My LMP was on the 25th Dec. Building up to my period my boobs were sore, I had some indigestion, was hot at night, and awoke during the night a few times where I wasn't immediately able to get back to sleep (very unusual for me) and I had a couple of small back niggles.

So, Monday before last (27th Dec, making it 4.5 week's after my last period) I took a couple of pregnancy tests as my period is pretty regular (every 28 days). The first one (clear blue) came up really faint, to the point of questioning if there was a line. The second one I did had a faint positive (pink) line. I called my GP and booked an appointment as I have some concerns (I'll get to them in a mo). The GP told me to go home and await a call from the maternity team. The MT called 2 days later and I have my first appointment with them in just over 2 week's.

However, this morning I took another clear blue (with time indication) fmu and it came up as 1-2 weeks. I took another one an hour ago and it said the same thing. Given these results versus my LMP, I'm concerned there is a problem but my GP isn't interested and the local EPU's will only accept referrals.

First concern - I'm 41 years of age
Second - I had a complex appendectomy 12 years ago that has almost certainly left some scar tissue (which I understand increases the chance of an ectopic pregnancy).
Third - I had an MRI in the first week of Jan (on my foot but I went in up to my hips). During the scans my tummy/bladder felt very uncomfortable (as if being pushed on). I thought it was weird but just assumed all was ok.

BUT, now that my HPTs have only picked up low level HCG, I'm concerned I'm further gone than I anticipated and/or that there is a problem. If I'm further gone, I'm thinking my December 'period' may have actually been Implantation and that I fell pregnant before the MRI.

Any advice or comments in relation to similar personal stories would be very much appreciated.

TIA

Also to note - no more sore boobs or indigestion. However, still not sleeping great and I'm getting some tension type headaches.

Do you have any advice?

Oh and to clarify - symptoms were after my last actual period but before my next period due date, which was the 22nd Jan.

Do you generally have a 'normal' cycle length? Because if so I agree, things don't seem right unfortunately. You should have a lot of HCG in your system by now at 6 weeks pregnant. I'm a week behind you and I've got 3+ weeks on a clear blue over a week ago. How dark is the line now on a normal test? I think you should make an appointment with your GP.

My cycle length is normal. The tests I did this morning were clear blue Digi so no line. They just read 'pregnant' and '1-2' (weeks). The GP won't see me as "there is nothing they can do". What a painful wait. Congrats btw!

😔 that sucks. Might be worth taking a normal test just to see what the line looks like. I'm surprised they don't want to give you an early scan.

Sorry to hear you are going through this. I think those tests do come with a reasonable big margin of error. They are also dating from conception (not lmp). I did one when (now I know my ultrasound dates) I must have been about 6 weeks and it came up as 2-3 weeks. If you get a hint of pain or bleeding I would be calling the GP. Hopefully that might trigger more of a response. A quick Google suggests no risks associated with mri scans though. Good luck.

Thanks both!

After reading a few posts on here, I'm surprised the docs aren't bothered about following up either. Their attitude is there is no way of intervening, so....

I get that to a certain extent and I get that the NHS is strapped for cash. However, given the technology available these days and all the talk about mental well-being, I'm amazed that you are coerced into believing you 'might' be pregnant for up to 12 weeks before you actually know any different. I'm not convinced having a midwifery appointment to decide on a hospital and screening is the right course of action for a first appointment. You're laying foundations before having a blueprint and that's only going to add to mental anguish if something is wrong.

That's my personal opinion anyway.

Worth booking a private scan If you're worried and think you may be further along. The CBD are notorious for being inaccurate though, even when using fmu. Alternatively get in touch with the midwife before your appointment rather than the doctor for some advice.

Thanks for the advice Annlee. I didn't realise I could speak with the midwifery team ahead of the first appointment. I'll make contact with them today.

If you can afford it, I'd book a private scan for peace of mind. You're right, you can live with this doubt until 13 weeks (I wouldn't be able to anyway).

Those clear blue weeks indicator tests are known for being in accurate. I have done 3 myself and first I got 1-2 when I was expecting 2-3. Then I got 2-3 when I was thinking I'd be more 3+. I read lots about them online and the weeks indicator should not be fully trusted for everyone. I hope you get answers soon and try to relax (I know it's not easy!) x x

And yes I agree about a private scan... perhaps around 7/8 week mark I'd go for one x

Thanks for your comments all.

The midwifery team were no help either. They just confirmed the first scan would be at 12 weeks, so I've booked a private one for the 8 week mark.

It's time to find my inner yogi and tune into some inner peace in the interim.

I'll let you know how it goes.

The 1-2 weeks thing is not that accurate but it could just be that you are not as far along as you though i.e. you ovulated late. It may not necessarily mean anything is wrong.

If you have any spotting or pain it would be worth seeing the GP as they should refer you to EPU. Unfortunately most EPUs won’t see you unless there are signs of something wrong.

Fingers crossed that all is well.

Thanks Darkstar. I've had some light spotting on and off but it has been dismissed without them even seeing what it's like.

Fingers crossed all is ok.

Hi OP. This is going to be a bit blunt.

Ill be honest, at your stage of pregnancy theres nothing much GPs/midwives can do. You'll either miscarry or not. At the trust I work in we dont offer early scans unless theres medical reason too (heavy bleeding or pain).

Its a bit shit I know.

Id get a private scan, then if theres issues found phone the midwives and explain. Depending on your area you should be having a booking appointment soon (some areas do it at the 12 week scan though).

A quick update:

Following my last message I had some dark brown spotting with stringy mucus. That progressed into red bleeding with clots when I urinated.

I went to the EPU this morning and I was advised that it's a pregnancy of unknown location. They couldn't find anything (external or internal). They did a urine test which reaffirmed the positive result. So they also took blood.

I have to give more blood on Thursday. Hopefully my HCG levels will be in decline by then as I had a very period-like bloated tummy and mild cramps last night (along with the red bleeding and clots). Plus I've not had any pregnancy symptoms for the last few days.

Sorry to hear that, look after yourself