How common are false positives?

[whatamigoing2do]

I am trying hard not to freak out but I need some advice. I am in my mid 40's and have 3 older children. I can't remember when my last period was I think may/June. I can't remember having one last month and I think this months is late so I was assuming that as I am the right age I am starting to go through menopause. I have had sore boobs but they are not as bad now and I have been feeling tired and felt quite queasy on a few occasions, especially when any one eats chips! I bought some cheap tests from home bargains so I could rule out pregnancy and the results are below. I have done 2 tests at different times. Are these tests known to be inaccurate? What are the chances of 2 false positives? Could it be menopause? My DP is away for the day and this isn't something that I want to share over the phone

I forgot to add that I am really worried that it is positive because I am on codeine every day and mirtazapine and sertraline

They look very positive to me. I would call a doctor on Monday and chat about the medications you have been taking and how you feel.

Also to add, I have never heard of a false positive only false negatives

Bless you op. False positives are rare because the tests detect pregnant hormone. So looks like you are pregnant.

False negatives are common but false positives are rare. Of course anything is posible.

Hi op,
False postives are rare, even rarely on 2 separate tests.
I would say you are pregnant and need to speak to your gp regarding your meds.
It's not clear if this is happy or not so happy news, but I wish you well in whatever path is right for you.
Xx

But I read that in menopause you can release the same hormones as pregnancy so surely there is a chance of that too?!?!

It's hard because I don't think I could terminate a healthy pregnancy but I worry it won't be healthy because of my medications my kids will be so embarrassed when they hear what their parents have done if we carry on with it! It will be a good contraceptive for them though! They are 20,17 and 12

I think that is once you've already been through menopause. Definitely best to see a doctor.

I had a positive the other day but it was a lot lot fainter than yours. Ended up bleeding. You say your last period was May/June. That is a long time ago. With a test that dark you could be further along than you think. Do you use contraception?

I am on the pill but have quite a lot of upset stomachs due to food issues

Do you take it everyday at the same time? Have you vomited? I think that can affect the effectiveness of the pill.

It looks like you're pregnant to me. My mum had unexpected twins in her mid 40s, it ended up being lovely and worked out for her. As an older sib I didn't judge at all, one benefit of older kids in this circumstance is they should be able to understand that you're a person too with your own stuff going on beyond them. And you have some ready-made babysitters ;)

That said of course everyone's circumstances are different and if it's not the right time for you because of medications or age or just other personal reasons, it's ok to consider all your options. It's important you feel you can make a choice that considers your needs, not just the needs of the others around you.

Hope you're ok and take care x

@Happychapp thanks. I think after the embarrassment they would probably be thrilled. I was just starting to get my life back so this feels weird but I keep catching myself having moments of 'oh a baby would be lovely' then my practical head kicks in. It will seem more real when I tell my DP later, who I have no doubt will be very supportive

My mum got pregnant at 43 and had a 25, 20 yr old and me who was 16. We love our brother to bits (even though now he's a stroppy teenager), and when he was little used to take him out to show him off. My mum said he was an absolute blessing even though he was a suprise. And i must say my parents have so much more patience with him than they ever did with us.

Good luck with whatever you decide is best for you OP xx

These tests have always been very reliable for me! Thats a very dark line i would assume you're already a good few months!
Hope you're okay op must be a shock x

@crystalls I don't think I can be that far a long as I can't feel anything above my pelvis (of you know what you mean) I'm not skinny but if I press down around there I don't think I can feel anything yet.

@crystalls and yes I feel like I am non shock. I keep getting shaky! It will all sort its self out I'm sure. I'm in limbo until I speak to my partner

Sertraline is safe to take during pregnancy. Don't know about the other 2 tho xxx

Mirtazapine is safe in pregnancy too. Not sure about codeine. I hope your chat with DP goes well.

From your symptoms it sounds like you might be a couple of months pregnant OP.

Re medication my friend was unknowingly pregnant (found out at 6 months) and had been taking sertraline and was told it was fine to continue. I was given codeine at the end of my first pregnancy 10 years ago. The doctor said at the time it was find at the end of pregnancy. My impression (but only an impression) was that it's best not to have it in early pregnancy. I could be remembering wrong. In your shoes i would probably try not to take it today and then speak to the GP tomorrow. Of course one more day won't make a difference really.

I hope you're ok OP.

I only took one dose of codeine yesterday. I don't know if it would be worse to go from4 doses to none so I try ought I would try to taper off. My DP is shocked and mostly silent. That's fine, I had a few hours more than him to deal with it. I did a first wee of the day test today and results are in the photo. I am going to contact the gp first thing and see if I can get a scan to date things and check it's all ok. Then I guess more discussions have to be had. I can't imagine a termination but I can't imagine starting again with a baby!

I'm TTC and was told codeine was safe to take in pregnancy. I was on co-codamol before TTC but Rheumatology switched me to codeine when I said I wanted to have a baby and told my GP to prescribe.

Hopefully that will make you feel less anxious about having taken codeine.

I'm on 15mg codeine twice a day.

That does help @FeedMeSantiago and I'm sorry that you are ttc and I am not seeming to be thrilled at this.