Do home tests work later in pregnancy?

[ImFree2doasiwant]

Sorry for TMI. I had very brief , "unfinished" unprotected sex 18 weeks ago. I took a pregnancy test 2.5 weeks later. Negative. I have had periods since. But its played on my mind, and the past few days I have some "twinges" which could be mistaken movements. Taken another test. Negative. I'm still here crapping myself though.

I was as sick as a dog in my other pregnancies, and exhausted. Nothing if that sort currently.

I'm just wondering if home tests stop being effective at some point

Yes, there is something called the Hook Effect. The HCG rises to a point that is too much for the home pregnancy test. Dilute your urine and retest if you’re worried.

OK thank you.

You've had periods and at least 2 negative pregnancy tests. You're not pregnant.

@choosername1234 I really hope you're right, these "movements" I'm getting are what us really throwing me.

Just for fun I did a test with one I had leftover at 30 weeks and it was such a strong positive the control line was barely visible.

@Moominmiss thank you. That's reassuring.

I realise it sounds like madness.

My bowels can mimic pregnancy movements surprisingly well - on occasion I've actually seen my abdomen move. Apologies if that's TMI, but it could be what you're experiencing.

@naughtyfurballs my bowels do behave somewhat erratically. I'm not sure if I should go to the Dr or not tbh. Its a very strange feeling.

@naughtyfurballs

My bowels can mimic pregnancy movements surprisingly well - on occasion I've actually seen my abdomen move. Apologies if that's TMI, but it could be what you're experiencing.

I get this too. It always gives me a little hidden pregnancy panic when it happens!

Didn't you post this a couple of days ago and everyone reassured you that you're not pregnant. You've had two periods, a blood test and multiple negative tests.

You are deff not pregnant and honestly without being cruel I think you may need to speak to your gp because this anxiety is taking over your life

@Bells3032 no, I didn't

I haven't had a blood test, and I've literally just taken a second pregnancy test and wasn't sure if they were effective throughout or just "early" testing.

@Moominmiss

Just for fun I did a test with one I had leftover at 30 weeks and it was such a strong positive the control line was barely visible.

ha ha I did this too at a similar stage

Oh weird. This one is very similsr:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/pregnancy/4387122-could-i-be-pregnant?msgid=112020027#112020027

Oh well that's not me. As I said, one test at the time, one just now. If I'd taken 30 over the past few months I think I'd have my answer