7 Week Hook Effect

[RxCx]

Looking to hear some stories about the hook effect and how many people this has happened to. I know it doesn't happen to everyone.
I am 7 weeks today, got BFPs the whole time and then stopped testing after my 3+ on clear blue. Had an early scan at 6 weeks and saw a flicker of a heart beat, it was such a relief. Unfortunately I caught covid 2 days after the scan and started to stress that this would effect the pregnancy and decided to test again at 7 weeks, only to see the line get fainter and now I'm stressing again. Should I relax because I saw a heartbeat at 6 weeks and this is just the hook effect? I didn't dilute the urine because I just flushed it not thinking there would be a problem. Any stories would be much appreciated! X

The hook effect is where the control line gets fainter not the test mine - which one looks fainter to you?

@twinsetandpearl the test line is fainter, the control line was pretty normal looking

I was 7 weeks pregnant with twins when I took this test so no hook effect. However pregnanxcy tests are only suppose to give you a positive or negative and not a definitive increase. Line faintness could just be that test or your level of hydration.

If you are concerned then book a private scan (if you can) to put your mind at rest

I did a test around the same time and it showed I wasn't pregnant when I clearly was - I'm almost 35 weeks. I would avoid testing and book a private scan so you aren't relying on a stick

You will drive yourself crazy comparing lines on tests, if I was you I'd book another private scan at least that way you will have concrete reassurance as the tests can't really tell you anything

Stop pissing on sticks

Book private scans if you need them. This is the only thing conclusive.

You will drive yourself insane comparing lines.

I have been there post-loss and it is so hard, but you really just need to wait.

Thanks for the replies everyone! I actually have another private scan booked a week on Saturday (16th April), I can't do anything sooner as I am now isolating with covid. I just dont believe in myself that I am allowed to be happy about this pregnancy and that everything will be ok. Isolating with covid has also just left me in my own thoughts all day.

Hey just reading your posts - did you have any update? I’m just learning about the hook effect.

@Kellydance38 I can happily say I am now 23 +4 weeks today with a healthy baby, and my test was definitely the hook effect.
I actually took one later on that day, after posting here, with a much more diluted sample and the line was so much darker. I have attached a picture, the bottom one was the am test and the bottom was the pm test on the same day. After doing some reading I believe the hook effect is common from about 6-7 weeks due to the hcg levels changing again and the tests only being able to read so much of it. People talk about the sensitivity of a test when your testing early, but it's actually the same idea when you test those few weeks later. I hope this post helps a little 😊

@Kellydance38 sorry the top one was am test and bottom was pm, just re-read my post.

I had the hook effect with my last dc, where test line suddenly became lighter, making me worry as it happened during my mc so I diluted urine and it was dark.

didn’t get it this time but it definitely is a thing that I didn’t believe until I saw it myself

Sorry OP just read your update didn’t realise it was an old post. So glad it worked out for you!

Thank you for your update! I really appreciate it. I had been ttc and my period was late but kept on testing negative so I was wondering what was going on and came across the hook effect. I then came on my period so mystery solved 😂just a little frustrating when my cycle was always 28 days exactly and now it seems to be conspiring against me haha being late so I get my hopes up.

Anyway, huge congratulations to you!! Hope everything keeps on going well for you in your pregnancy 🤰🥰