GP totally dismissed possibility of false negative - anyone else?

[miri1016]

Hi everyone, I've read through most of the threads about false negatives so I'm definitely aware some women never even get a positive urine test so false negatives DO exist. I'm 9 months pp with DS1 and have had very odd periods postpartum that were initially every 5 weeks then 3 weeks and now totally nothing for the last 2 months
I know I've got PCOS and still overweight from my last pregnancy although have been thinking about conceiving again. I've done lots of urine home tests and all negatives but I'm feeling very off and symptoms feel similar to the previous pregnancy. Spoke to a male GP who shocked me with "you're breastfeeding you don't get periods" and "you can't get pregnant when you're breastfeeding". I tried to ask repeatedly for a blood test or a scan and he said no need we'll start you on a medication to restart your periods if you don't get any after you stop breastfeeding. I even asked him well what about the women who get false negatives - what about those cases? He just dismissed and said its really unlikely to happen and that I should just carry on as I am. I feel very nauseous, lots of sticky white discharge and cramps with absolutely no sign of a period. I find it odd that periods can just stop mid breastfeeding this late on - I've been breastfeeding since he was born.

Has anyone had a similiar situation? I would really like a scan to reassure myself that either it's ok or I need to begin antenatal care. I've researched the hook effect which is interesting!

I agree that if multiple tests see negative then it is unlikely you're pregnant. Otherwise, can you book a private scan?

🙄 I’m exclusively BF and got my period 2 months after giving birth!

could you possible afford to pay for a private scan? I know this shouldn’t be the case but just so you know for sure then you can go back to the NHS.

If your hormone levels were high enough to cause symptoms, you would get a positive test. Can you book a private scan to put your mind at rest? They're not that expensive.

I'm afraid your GP is correct on this one. Very unlikely that you're pregnant. Breastfeeding makes your periods irregular.

If you're worried that your negatives are due to hook effect then dilute your urine with water and then test.

You can 100% get pregnant when breastfeeding. periods can be irregular for a while but you're still ovulating which means pregnancy is possible. It's actually worrying he's telling this to post partum mothers!
He is however correct that if your pregnant you'd have a positive pregnancy test, frer are incredibly sensative. The NHS wouldn't fund blood test or scans without this.
If you're really anxious about it I agree with pp and book a private scan.
X

Thanks everyone! I think I will give it a few more weeks then look into a private scan if still feeling off. I didn't know you could book a private scan without a positive test so that's reassuring!

You can definitely get pregnant whilst breastfeeding, but equally it’s very common to take time for periods to go become regular. If you were pregnant, I can’t see how multiple tests would be false negative. Private scan place would probably see you whatever, they want the money, but be prepared for there not to be anything showing.

That GP is WRONG. I was breastfeeding my daughter around the clock and got my periods back less than three months post partum. They stayed regular on the dot for the years I spent breastfeeding her and I got pregnant again while breastfeeding. Your doctor sounds ignorant and dismissive. I would complain about him. So arrogant of him to refuse you a blood test and say he will put you on medication! If you are pregnant that could kill the baby. I honestly don’t know how some of theee GPs pass medical school.

This thread is 8 months old. If the OP was pregnant she’d be giving birth soon. So I think if she was going to complain she’d have done it by now.

I think forums like this make it seem like false negatives are more common than they are - it is very, very unlikely that multiple different tests would come up negative if you were pregnant.

The GP is wrong that you can't get periods or pregnant when BF, what a load of tosh, but he's right that you are very unlikely to be pregnant.

And if you are pregnant....... well that won't change with the GP confirming it or not. Maybe retest weekly if you are still getting symptoms and/or pay for a private scan in a few weeks time if you are still unsure.

Sorry, just saw this was a zombie thread!

I exclusively breast fed. Got my period four weeks after giving birth, the post-birth discharge had only just stopped. Embarrassingly, I was worried it was related to giving birth and went to the doctor, who managed not to laugh telling me that the “I’m bleeding just like it’s a period” was, in fact, my period 😁

I then got pregnant accidentally 5 months post partum, still while exclusively breast feeding.