Hook effect or incoming loss?

[TTCournumberthree]

Driving myself crazy here.

Had a chemical last cycle (only 3 days late for period) this cycle I’ve had some spotting at 4+6 which started off pink then a little red then turned brown and now disappeared. It was a very small amount only really when I wiped.

Called epu they won’t see me before 8 weeks for a scan or a blood test. I bought some
more tests as shown below and the test line on the last one (today 5+2 or 25dpo) is the same as the control with fmu.

Tested for the hook effect with SMU diluted 50% and it’s obviously better than thE FMU one today but am I just grasping onto straws?

Anyone experienced something similar with any outcome care to share their story? It’s been 3 days since the spotting, wish I knew what is going to happen

Step away from the tests OP, your lines look good but ultimately they don’t mean anything! I had really strong lines then a mmc.. took ages to get a dye stealer with my next pregnancy who is now snoozing on my chest. I know it’s difficult I was also a serial testers but you’ll feel better if you stop

Mine started getting lighter around that time and I’m 31 weeks now, so the hook effect is definitely a thing. Also those tests can vary in colour a bit anyway. There’s really no way you can know, so you need to just stop testing and try to distract yourself.

I’m sorry, I know it’s so so hard. I hope you get to hear that heartbeat soon x

Put the tests down and step away.

Spotting in early pregnancy is quite common, especially around the time your period would have come.

The tests can't tell you what will happen or anything other than that you are pregnant.

If you get any pain or heavier bleeding then go to your GP or A&E and get referred to the EPU. They will scan earlier than 8 weeks if there is a need to (I had scans at 6 weeks with both my kids due to bleeding)

Thanks everyone I know I’m being silly testing again, I wouldn’t be so worried if it wasn’t for the red bleed.

Fear of the unknown

Hi I'm not in the UK so maybe this isn't a done thing but can you go to your GP and get quantitative hcg blood tests 48 hours apart (pay privately if needs be)? That will give you a good idea what's happening.

@Sawa75 I wish that was an option, I can get my bloods taken privately but they have to be sent to labs in London and can take 3-5 working days plus for results. I’m 6 hours from London so not really a option for me.

@TTCournumberthree unpopular opinion but if it’s effecting you that much you could tell the EPU that you’ve got pains on one side along with the bleeding I assume they would scan you before 8 weeks then although I doubt you would be able too see much at this stage so it may not help you feel any better

@ChinChilly not far from the truth tonight. Have had some quite bad cramps and started red spotting again. Think it’s likely over but thanks everyone for the advice.

@TTCournumberthree Just give them all lovely and explain, keeping everything crossed for you

I’ve had two chemicals recently and I was obsessed with the first response lines (still am) but to be honest, If you want a real answer, then try take a cheapy test like an Asda or Morrisons one. They’re not as sensitive so when I took one and saw it was faint, I knew what was in store, whereas first response can stay darker due to them being more sensitive. Fingers crossed for you x

@ChinChilly going to call in the morning if I don’t start bleeding properly, kids are in bed and it’s a good hour to the EPU.

@bubble55 thank you that’s good advice. So sorry to hear about your 2 losses, it’s not easy is it.

We’re going to take a break from trying for the rest of the year and just enjoy Christmas with our kids.

Just to update incase anyone finds this thread in the future. I had a private early ultrasound at 6 weeks 1 day and all is well. Measuring bang on my dates with a heartbeat seen

@TTCournumberthree So pleased for you!

Ah that's wonderful news, hope all continues well for you xx

@ChinChilly @sleepymama3 Thank you 😊