Losing symptoms + lighter tests

[Asher2021]

I'm 7+1 and started having bad nausea at 6 weeks and it had already disappeared by 7 weeks. I've been waiting to see if it will come back as people say it comes and goes but it hasn't come back for a few days and I'm really worrying. I took a test and the lines are lighter than they were at 4+3 when I found out and now I'm really panicking. I've had cramps since finding out (only mild and normal for me) but haven't had any for around a week either. My only real symptom is that my boobs hurt but even they don't hurt as much anymore. I have my 8 week scan next week and can't stop panicking 😔

Anyone?

Sorry you're going through this. Early pregnancy can be such a worry.

First, Google the Hook Effect, it may be relevant here. And often, as with me, early pregnancy symptoms come and go until they suddenly really hit.

Early pregnancy can go either way and there is nothing you can do but wait. Hope you see a heartbeat next week.

I agree with the post above. I heard that we shouldn’t do more tests after week 5 as the hcg may be too high for the tests to detect it properly and hook effect is normal occurrence ( it does depend on original hcg levels but 7 w is far). I experienced it myself getting 3+ on digital really early on and then a week later it was 2+, did the hook test the following morning and it was back to 3+ When I added more water. I did my bloods before scan to check how hcg was increasing and the nurse told me they were far to high for the test to work.
The wait is hard. You can try and see they can change the date for an earlier one. Please don’t worry about the symptoms as they come and go all the time.

@Asher2021 I did a test at around 8 weeks ok I think as I was so paranoid something was wrong!! It was so light, so I read about the hook effect, I then watered my urine down by 3/4 and tested again and it was so much darker! Safe to say I never tested again, I'm 14 weeks now xx

Thank you everyone. I was just worried about the symptoms at first as didn't think nausea would go away so soon and waiting for it to come back but it just isn't.. but the lack of symptoms plus the lighter test lines just threw me into a panic.
I actually only waited around an hour before I took the second test as thought because the hormone would be less concentrated the result might be darker but it came back lighter which makes me think it's not the hook effect.

@Asher2021 try adding a little water to the urine to see if it makes it darker, try half and half xx

Done two tests, first one is just wee, with a long hold. Bottom test is the same wee just added half water to it and it's a lot stronger. I haven't used these tests before but they seem lighter compared to the pink dyes I usually use.

Also - here's a picture of my lines at 4 weeks 3 days. I'm 7 weeks 2 days now. I think they were still much darker?

I don't think you can really compare because they are different tests. In terms of sickness, I felt awful at 6-7 weeks, managed a wedding at 8 weeks, enjoyed a holiday at 9 weeks (although didn't have much appretite). Felt pretty normal by 10 weeks.

I appreciate it is so worrying. When is your scan? You just have to try and distract yourself and get through each day till then.

My scan is in 6 days. I called my maternity unit and they can't fit me in any sooner and to go to a&e if I start to bleed. She did say my test cause just be a drop in hcg but don't understand how that could be a good thing?
But either way I'm going to have to wait. I feel a bit better now that I know it's likely the hook effect causing the lighter lines.

It's great to know about the hook effect. If you are into comparing lines, I recommend always sticking to the same test. I for one bought a bulk of pink dye internet cheapies and would use them. Even then the dye may vary a bit, but there is just no comparing different brands.

Also as one gets closer to 8, 9 weeks, her hcg will stall and start dropping. It is better to put them away and wait for your scan. Good luck!

The hook effect is definitely a thing. Try not to worry. The symptoms thing isn't really an issue. Lots of people don't have symptoms.

Thank you. I did try to get the same tests but couldn't get hold of them so just picked up a different brand. But I know it'll show different. I was ultimately just hoping for a dark line again xx

I think it'd be better to stop testing. Comparing lines etc just sounds anxiety inducing.

@Asher2021 don't worry anymore stop testing!! The fact the line is twice as dark with water means it 💯 is the hook effect I had the same xx

Please stop testing for a start as it means nothing.
Symptoms disappearing also don't mean anything either.
They come and go and it's very normal. It's also normal for them to disappear completely

It is also normal for tests to get lighter as it progresses