Trying to relax

[Binky1983]

I stupidly took another test this morning as I found one in the cupboard left over from the ones the epu gave me back in July. I’m now paranoid over the darkness of the line, it’s still a strong line and the test was 25mlu whereas the ones I’ve been using are 10mlu ones for amazon. I did a test Monday using the 10mlu one and the line was as dark as the control line, the one today using the 25mlu is lighter, but it’s still a good positive (I’ve attached the photo)

My rational brain is telling me the line darkness difference is because of the difference in strength of the test. My paranoid brain is telling me I’m going to have another miscarriage. I’ve not had any miscarriage symptoms other than some cramps and what I think was implantation spotting and I haven’t had any cramps for a week. I’m well aware of the fact that nothing can be done either way, and no amount of preparing for the worst is going to make the situation better if it does happen.

I’m waiting for an appointment for a scan to come through at the epu as I’m either coming up to 6 or 7 weeks on Sunday so I need to wait at least another week before having a scan.

I am slowly driving myself insane. What tips have people got to try and relax? I was doing relatively ok but having had two miscarriages already I think the wait is beginning to take its toll and I am constantly symptom checking and trying to work out if they are pregnancy or cyclogest and these were too bad yesterday so automatically I’m assuming the worst!! 🙄

Normally I would go for a run to clear my head but gp said she doesn’t recommend I do any strenuous exercise. I normally run two times a week, do hiit once a week and yoga once a week so not doing any exercise isn’t helping either!

Sorry this is a really rambling post.. xx

[ChloeLeighCorn]

Honestly I know how you feel I did the same with this pregnancy now. I have a 17 months old son and then I miscarried in December last year. So when I found out I was pregnant again this time I obsessively tested to make sure the line was getting darker etc. I had some really dark lines and I had some fainter lines which I freaked out about. Talked to my midwife about it and she told me not to test anymore.

It’s not a reliable way of measuring hcg levels and just because you get a weaker line it doesn’t mean that your levels have dropped. Even with a weaker line with the same strength test it wouldn’t be cause for concern. The result depends on how diluted your urine is and how long it’s been since you last went etc.

So I really wouldn’t worry about the line especially as they’re different test strengths and you’ve not had any worrying symptoms. There’s no real way to stop yourself from worrying, it’s natural especially after multiple miscarriages. Just try not to let them control you. Don’t take anymore tests they’ll just make you worry more. If you have any left throw them out and don’t order any more! If you’re really worried mention it to your midwife, she may suggest having bloods to checked your hcg levels if you are concerned. Although I believe you have to have 3 losses in a row for them to carry out extra tests.

As I said I had the same thing happen to me at the beginning of this pregnancy, my lines kept getting weaker using the same strength tests and then some days they’d be darker again. It doesn’t mean anything it comes down to dilution. I’m now 16 weeks 3 days with a perfectly healthy little girl.

Make sure you’re taking your prenatal vitamins they help make sure you’re getting everything you need to help grow a healthy baby. Ask your midwife if she would advise extra folic acid, sometimes they recommend it after miscarriage.

How far along are you? Xx

[Binky1983 in reply to ChloeLeighCorn]

Thanks for replying. I haven’t got any more tests left so I’m not testing again! Just going to try and wait for my scan appointment to come through.

I’m just going to try and take each day as it comes if I can but it is hard not to have a wobble every now and again. Yeah it is 3 losses, but at least my gp wants me to have an early scan so that’s something at least! I haven’t got a midwife yet as I’m only about 6 or 7 weeks, not 100% sure on dates as I have PCOS so don’t have regular periods and normally have to take clomid so it’s come as a shock that it’s even happened on its own!

Really pleased you’re doing so well in your pregnancy. Xx

[Hidden]

Past a certain level, the darkness of the line does not matter at all. It’s natural for you to worry with your history and I think it sounds like you are trying to combat that anxiety in a really sensible way. Having been on progesterone for 12 weeks myself, it’s so hard to know what symptoms are due to pregnancy and which to progesterone. Could you do some gentle walks or some really light yoga with no inversions? If you were training to begin with, it shouldn’t be too much stress on your body...Adrienne on YouTube has a pregnancy yoga video which is really gentle.

There is an app called mind the bump which might help with some breathing.

I think it sounds like you are doing amazingly well! Good luck xxx

[Binky1983 in reply to Hidden]

Ah thanks for this. I’m glad I’m not the only who struggles with the progesterone, it’s so annoying lol. I’ve been going for a few walks and taking the in laws dog with me sometimes as well which is a nice distraction.

I’ll have to check out adriennes yoga. I’ve done a couple of her vids before. Ooh I shall have to look into the app as well.

Thanks again! Xx