Should I be worried?

[Bc102]

Hi I’ve previously had an ectopic and a miscarriage at 5 weeks so I’m really worrying about this.

the top test I took at 5 weeks pregnant and as u can see the control line is faint which is obviously good as it shows my hcg levels are strong

the bottom test is took at 6 weeks and the control line is much darker which has made me think my hcg levels are not as strong.

I’ve been testing for reassurance as this is the furthest I’ve got and now this has this happened it’s made me worry. If anyone has carried on testing has this happened to u and been ok?

I no people are going to say you should concentrate on the first line but it’s known that the further u get the fainter the control will be

thankyou xx

Google the "hook effect" on pregnancy tests. Can't remember exactly the theory but basically the level of HCG in your urine is now so high jt can overwhelm the test and the tests get lighter or can even be false negative (later on in pregnancy).

If you diluted your urine 50/50 with water I bet you'd get a strong line like your 5 week one.

Will you get offered an early scan because of your ectopic? I know each EPU is different but at mine with a prev ectopic and miscarriage you'd be able to self refer for a scan. Might put your mind at ease!

Thank you I’ve never heard of it so I’ll have a look at it and yeah i do get an early scan i rang last week but I’m not booked in till next Monday so ill be 7 weeks 2 days by then I was hoping it would be this week just to ease my mind 😩 xx

thank you xx

Agree with the hook effect. My tests started getting lighter as I got close to 7 weeks. I’m now 22 weeks and baby is doing fine. I get the appeal of repeated testing as I was doing it myself, but honestly it doesn’t reassure you, just causes more stress.

I don’t see anything wrong. I thought originally the first test was going to be the later test and you were worried as the line was getting fainter. To me this looks like good progress. I think though continuing testing can just end up worrying women. Sometimes you drink more or less water and it affects it.

Stop testing! Pregnancy tests are not designed for this purpose and only cause more anxiety. Don’t start diluting your urine etc. there are far too many variables ‘any of which you can’t measure accurately.

I know the fear is real, believe me, but you need to hold on to the fact that today you are pregnant.