Pregnancy test getting lighter?

[SR00]

I’m currently about 5+0 weeks pregnant. I got BFP at 10dpo. In an attempt to reduce my anxiety after 3 previous missed miscarriages I have been doing a pregnancy test every few days (all FMU). Today it seems lighter than 3 days ago and I’m panicking. I tried diluting in case it was hook effect but that test is lighter still. I’m so angry at myself for testing again, I know I shouldn’t have. Opinions please.

It's fine. Once you have an established bfp you really need to stop testing. So many things can cause lighter test lines.

• how much you drank before bed
• how long it's been since you last urinated
• how much dye is in the test (which can vary greatly with those cheap strips).

It's quite likely that persistent testing will throw up inconsistent lines, these are not quantitative tests, they give you a yes or no answer.

You still have a strong positive, you are still pregnant. Now throw the tests away. You're not bleeding, so nothing to worry about.

Agree with PP. The difference is so slight that it could be down to so many factors. I had a few tests and instead of throwing them away used them and there was so much variation in them. It just makes you anxious. As long as you had a strong positive and you’ve not had any bleeding etc there’s nothing to worry about. Just stop testing.

Thank you both. I know you are right which is why I am annoyed with myself. With my miscarriages I carried each for at least two weeks after the heartbeat stopped without any symptoms anything was wrong until a scan. I feel like a don’t trust my body to recognise if there’s a problem. I’ve thrown the tests away and will just try be patient

My tests got lighter in the beginning, I’m due any day now. It does feel worrying but I’d definitely agree with throwing out the tests

Update: I’ve been having mild cramping over weekend but no bleeding. Took my one remaining test which is now so faint (later confirmed with different brand). Feel like I’m just waiting for the inevitable now 😢

What ended up happening with your pregnancy? I'm in a very similar boat..I had a MMC last August and I'm current 7+1 and so anxious..I've been doing tests throughout which I know I shouldn't but I've done one today and it's been so faint when they've been so strong all along..I've tried diluting it with water and its got very slightly darker but not much..losing my mind. I have a scan tomorrow but I fear the worst

I am so very sorry for your losses. I have experienced several missed miscarriages also and it was absolutely horrendous. I tested nonstop and I spent ages analysing each test as I was so sure that history would repeat itself. Knew I shouldn't but it was like an impulse and it had to be done.

I would honestly suggest, and I know how very difficult it is, that you try not to test and to try to take things as easy as you possibly can.

The cramping that you are experiencing can be a usual (and nothing concerning) sign of pregnancy with the insides starting to stretch etc.

Try to keep your mind busy and occupied with anything you can think of. I know how difficult it can be but for your own sake, it is much better to try as otherwise you will end up driving yourself demented. I know I did with myself.

If you can, try to break things down into hour by hour. I know how very long it can feel waiting for a scan (it always feels like absolutely the furthest away it could be) but if you can try to take things easy and relax a bitty, it will be an easier time. I was an absolutely horrendous mess while pregnant and expected blood to be there everytime I went to the toilet so I do understand what you're going through. Missed miscarriages are incredibly cruel things to go through and leave a horrendous imprint.

Wishing you the very best 💐

Just realised this was an older thread ~ otherwise I would have posted that enormous message to you! Wishing you all the best for your scan tomorrow. I hope it comes around quickly for you and everything goes well 💐