Weaker pregnancy test line

[Poppybloom55]

Hi all, I’m 6 weeks today and I found out 2 weeks ago I was pregnant. I’ve booked an early reassurance scan for 8 weeks. Clinics nearby allow from 7 weeks but I’m not 100% sure on my dates so went with 8 to be safer.

I’m finding the anxiety and worry until the scan very difficult, especially because I have next to no symptoms. I’ve felt more tired than usual but I’ve also cut back on caffeine so that’s probably the reason for the tiredness.

I know nobody can really tell me what’s going on but just looking for some advice.

I’ve got into the terrible habit of testing to watch the lines progress. My first test was faint when I first found out 5 days after a missed period. I wanted to see the word pregnant so I bought a digital test which came back 2-3.

I tested half a week later and got 3+ and a very dark line. I told myself I’d stop at this point!

This morning I stupidly decided to take another, knowing morning is the best time and my urine wouldn’t be diluted due to no water since last night and first toilet of the day.

It was a good line, not faint, but fainter than the previous and the first time I have taken a test where it hasn’t increased which has now sent me into a panic.

It’s the same brand test and I’ve been testing early in the morning so should be a decent comparison.

Has anyone had this happen to them? It’s left me even more tempted to test again in a day or two to see if it’s fainter again! Especially since I’m not far enough along for any clinic or doctor to really help or do anything and waiting another 2 weeks worrying won’t be easy.

Honestly the tests really are not a good indicator due to so many different factors in your body. It's just torturing yourself. Once I got the 3+ I've not tested again. I'm going for an early scan at 6weeks, if you are worried try and get a scan at 6 or 7 weeks that's the best way you'll know. It's torment I get you but don't keep testing it's just a constant habit that gets obsessive and leads you to worry. I'm so much happier not testing and telling myself I'm pregnant and that's all I know at the moment and can focus on.

I've started a thread because I'm sending myself crazy checking my boobs, honestly it's madness ! I haven't tested since I got a 3+ because i've been so scared of seeing something I don't want too but believe me I get the temptation, it's very real! We're seeking reassurance off something that's not designed to tell us how oregnant we are !

I'm going into town today and I know I'm going to have to really stop myself buying any tests

Thanks ladies. I know I’m just messing with myself really, It’s torture. It sounds ridiculous but I’d rather having regular morning sickness as a daily reminder I’m pregnant than no symptoms at all.

I tried to book my scan from 7 weeks instead of 8 weeks (which they offer) but the lady on reception was really hesitant and kept telling me horror stories about people who think they’re 7, go in and then they’re actually 5/6 and they can’t pick anything up so send them home even more worried.

Have you tried diluting your urine with a bit of water and testing again? After your levels get really high it can cause what is called the Hook effect, it doesn't happen to everyone but I've definitely had it happen to me!

Tests are only meant to tell you you're pregnant, I know everyone does it but they really shouldn't be used as a gauge to measure how pregnant you are. Like ElliJai44 says hook effect is a thing.

I am here reading this thread because I have just had the dreaded test that got lighter and wondering is it the hook effect. I got BFPs with dark lines, got my 3+ on clear blue and had an early scan at 6 weeks where we could see the flicker of a heartbeat. I'm now 7 weeks today and decided to test, but wasnt expecting to see a fainter line. I am guessing this is the hook effect, right? I didn't even think to dilute it at the time I just flushed it away. Can I relax that at 6 weeks we saw a heartbeat and everything is OK?

@RxCx Congratulations - I'm similar to you 7w2d. I tested obsessively to begin with and it caused a lot of unnecessary stress. Managed to stop once I got the 3+ on cb and tbh haven't really thought to do another since then as I do think the hook effect will come into play - certainly by 7 weeks and there is nothing continuing to test at this stage can tell us. It's horrible not knowing what's going on in there isn't it? But I really don't think testing will help or give any reliable information x

Step away from the tests! They are designed to tell you if you're pregnant or not, they will not tell you how pregnant you are.

Try to trust that nothing has happened until something happens. Easier said than done, but there's not much you can do at this stage but wait and hope for the best.

I also wouldn't advise to bring your scan forward as the lady is right, the embryo is so tiny this early that scans can struggle to pick up anything and if your dates are even a couple days off it can make it that much harder. And if your first line was faint when you were already late then it's possible you implanted a little later. Just hang in there! Two weeks may feel like forever to wait but it really isn't.

@KatRee Thank you. You too! Nice to know someone around the same time as well. Your right, testing isn't going to give me any answers, it's just so tempting when you have them sitting there in the bathroom cupboard. I dont think I will test again, got another scan in 2 weeks so just going to have to remain positive and calm until then. Not had any cramps or bleeding etc and the MW seemed happy on our introduction call yesterday. I just have to trust the process now 😊 x