Pregnancy test getting lighter

[howluckyami25]

Tested positive at 4 weeks and the line was strong and dark how ever I've tested again at 8 weeks because I woke up and didn't feel sick and it's allot lighter ! Now I'm panicking something is wrong !

Hopeful bump

Honestly, can’t see a difference.

Can you book a test with your GP practice, for peace of mind?

Line progression is absolutely no indication of how a pregnancy is progressing, so please try not to worry. Is there any chance you could have a private scan just to put your mind at ease? X

Those are the ones I took this morning the line is so much lighter

These tests are not designed for progression and are not accurate after a certain amount of time.
If you concerned and cannot wait until your 12 week scan, maybe you could consider a private early scan?

I'm hoping I can get an early scan, are the lines usually lighter as you get further along ! I wish I hadn't tested

I've never tested again after my initial BFP but I know there is something called the hook effect which can happen when the hcg reaches a certain level.
I think only a scan can give you any answers

Stop testing, they're not designed to be used for this purpose. Line progression is a load of waffle. You only need one positive test to confirm you're pregnant, the rest are just wasted expense and anxiety.

@howluckyami25 this is nothing to worry about, once your HCG hits a certain threshold you will experience what's called the hook effect, tests will appear lighter. Completely normal. As long as you're not experiencing any pain, bleeding etc then I'd imagine everything is fine ❤️

My friend also had this, lighter tests around the 7/8 week mark (all was fine in her pregnancy though).

It's probably just due to you being 8 weeks now compared to testing when your period is first late. However if it's still on your mind, private scanning places will often get you in quite quickly if you ring them up.

Thanks all, I really hope it's just the hook affect, I've had no pain or bleeding I've had aches but they are the usual aches I've had xx

Took another test this evening and I think it's darker, top one is from earlier and bottom one is just now xx

The best advice I can give you is to stop testing

Stop testing. All those are clear positives. No amount of lines or dye stealers or what any other crap is on the internet now matters.

Just stop. Book an early scan but even those are a waste of money.

I had this at eight weeks. Panicked. It was the hook effect. To check, collect a concentrated wee sample. Do a test with it. Then use tap water to dilute the sample to weak wee. Do a second test. The second test will be darker if it's the hook effect.

I had this. Tested positive at 4 weeks, at around 8 weeks was booked into EPU for pain and bleeding. They asked me to take a test to confirm still pregnant before attending. It was so much lighter and I panicked.

It was the hook effect. Diluted my wee like 50 times and it was so much darker! That pregnancy is now an 11 month old.

Right I know you said not to test again but I did dilute the urine and see and this is the result ! So I think / hope it is the hook effect
Top pregnancy test I did with just my urine bottom one I diluted the same urine I used for first test xx

I hope that has reassured you somewhat OP?

Hopefully you can step away from the tests now as this really isn't the purpose of them and it doesn't actually tell you anything - with kindness, even those unfortunate to suffer a miscarriage will normally still test positive for weeks afterwards.

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy

Hey, I've experienced the same thing!

Admittedly I wished I hadn't taken a strip test at 7 weeks and to be honest I don't know why I did. I didn't use FMU or SMU and I had been drinking a lot but it the test was so light! I've had symptoms still but it freaked me out. I've read about the hook effect but I still mentioned it at my 8 week midwife app and she didn't seem concerned. I said I might book another private scan just to check, despite having one at 6 weeks and the baby measured great and had a healthy heartbeat and the midwife kindly offered to book me an early scan next Tuesday with the NHS. She did advise I'd have to tell a little white lie as if I didn't mention I'd had bleeding (which I haven't) they wouldn't see me. Worth speaking to your midwife about though!

Let me know how you get on x

I said I might book another private scan just to check, despite having one at 6 weeks and the baby measured great and had a healthy heartbeat and the midwife kindly offered to book me an early scan next Tuesday with the NHS. She did advise I'd have to tell a little white lie as if I didn't mention I'd had bleeding (which I haven't) they wouldn't see me. Worth speaking to your midwife about though!

Sorry but this is terrible advice - no wonder our NHS is as stretched as it is with people outright lying and abusing it!
If you want the reassurance of an early scan, you do what everyone else does and you pay for it privately, please don't make up symptoms and take an EPU appointment from someone who really needs it.

I was willing to pay for another private scan, as I have done previously. I simply went by the advice of my midwife at the time. Maybe it was naive? But I can see your point completely and I wasn't advising anyone to lie.

Please don't lie to get an early scan on the NHS, maternity is soooo stretched and understaffed they barely have time to take care of the women who are actually suffering pregnancy loss.

Wouldn't lie haven't got it in me and I don't agree with lying especially when there's an option to pay for the same thing
Anyway more to the point to my post lol anyone who's done the hook effect test is that what it was like ? Xx

Everyone has told you it is fine. The strength of the line does not matter, you are still pregnant unless you experience strong cramps and heavy bleeding. Gently this is an excessive level of worry. I'm sure you're delighted to be pregnant and this is obviously a very wanted baby, but please talk to your midwife about your anxiety levels. Throughout the pregnancy and having a baby there are going to be lots of worries, and you'll need to find a healthier way to manage your reactions. This will ultimately impact you and baby badly if you worry this much.

Yes, and even when diluted further it still got stronger! I ended up full on 1/4 wee, 3/4 water, then taking 1/4 of that and adding 3/4 water etc and ended up with a full on set 😅