Am I Pregnant?

[skmiksar]

So, I developed a linea negra a week or so ago. I'm 26 years old, have never had a baby, and have PCOS. I don't have normal periods.  I have been having some odd sensations in my abdomen and my breasts are getting firmer. My husband and i have been married for almost two years, have never used birth control and are trying to conceive.  I have taken multiple at home pregnancy tests and all have been negative. Could I be pregnant? I have a OBGYN appointment in March, but the wait is killing me. Any advice will help. thank you!!!

[homestyle]

I can't answer your question (although the natal line thing makes you wonder!), but I had to write. I was just listening to a radio program the other day where a lady had what sounds like a similar situation to you, in some ways --- including the multiple neg tests. She eventually went in to a dr because she thought maybe she had a tumor growing in her stomach! An ultrasound confirmed that the 'tumor' was her daughter. She gave birth three days later. 

Can't you get in sooner than March? Even if you go to a general doctor and just get a ref for an ultrasound...

[skmiksar]

I would love to go to a Dr. sooner, but my husband and I don't get insurance until the end of February  :(  Normally I would think it's just gas or something else if it weren't for the linea negra. It does make me wonder.  I have heard several stories like that before and it makes me worry the same thing could happen to me. Thank you for responding!

[Stayseeliz]

PCOS does crazy things with your hormones. I wouldn't assume the linea nigrea means anything. Could you maybe take another test with a different brand?

[Marissamom]

when was the last time you took a preg test or had a period before this? it's possible to have a neg test because you're too far along. is the appointment in March the soonest they could get you in? or did you already have that appointment scheduled. because most will get you in pretty quick for a pregnancy test. 

[homestyle]

Sorry to hear about your insurance situation! That sounds stressful.

Here's a thought -- do you have one of those 'crisis pregnancy centers' near you? Might one have an ultrasound machine? Maybe they could help you out (regardless of what one might think of their politics). Just an idea!

Take care of yourself. 

[Marissamom]

oh, if it's lack of insurance, planned parenthood could at least get you a more sensitive test for a very low fee (mine was less than $40)

[swell_mel]

I would suggest googling pregnancy centers in your area and call or email them. There are so many pregnancy centers that offer free or very low cost care to uninsured women. Good luck!

[mama2eb]

I would suggest a Title X supported family planning clinic...sliding fee for low income...  Here is a site that will find a clinic and let you search by city/town..  http://www.opaclearinghouse.org/search/ 

[othersomethings]

You could go to a local lab and get blood drawn...most towns have them and a blood draw for pregnancy test can be very inexpensive...I had one for like $26. A few calls could help you find that out.

[Stayseeliz]

A crisis pregnancy center would be a good bet. Mine does ultrasounds from 7-14 weeks and free pregnancy tests!

[skmiksar]

Thank you all for the suggestions!! I will be trying a different brand of AHPT tomorrow morning (I'll let you all know how it goes) and if that is negative then I'll look into a clinic to go to. Thank you again!!!!

[Greenlea]

I believe the State Health Dept. can help too with a test.

[tourist.]

Originally Posted by Marissamom 

it's possible to have a neg test because you're too far along.

I read somewhere here on mdc that if you're too far along, the pregnancy test will come up negative.  I has to do with the sensitivity of the hpt and you would need to dilute your urine in order to get the hpt to be able to interpret the hormones properly.  I obviously don't have all the details, so perhaps do a quick web search about this.  Good luck to you, I hope you don't have to wait until March to get an answer.

[javilu]

linea nigra can occur in the absence of pregnancy if you are insulin resistant.  many women with PCOS are also insulin resistant.  good luck with everything!

[skmiksar]

How do I know if I'm insulin resistant? I was diagnosed with PCOS over 5 years ago and the linea nigra just appeared a week or so ago.

I will look into if I need to dilute my urine in order for the hpt to work. That's interesting, and I never thought the test wouldn't work because of too much hormone.

I did take another test this morning and it was also negative. I have called the clinics around my area and, the ones I can go to, will not do an ultrasound unless I have a positive urine test *sigh*

For now my hands are in the air.

[nothing to do with the current conversation, but what does DS mean? I'm new here and am not familiar with all the lingo.]

[javilu]

PCOS can be progressive, so new symptoms can arise as time goes on if you aren't treating it (either medically or naturally).  Insulin resistance can also be associated with dark or rough patches on the skin called acanthosis nigricans, which are found in places like the back and/or sides of the neck, armpits, groin, and even cheeks.  But I think blood testing is really the only way to confirm it.

DS usually stands for "dear son."

I hope you're able to get some answers.  In the meantime, there are lots of nutritional and supplemental means for addressing PCOS.  The natural forums at soulcysters.net are one good resource (the other forums there are pretty medicalized, but some are just social).  My sister has PCOS, so I've done a lot of research in trying to help her, and there is a lot of info out there.  Good luck!

[Greenlea]

Will the clinics do a blood test instead of an U/S?

[skmiksar]

So get this: I found a clinic that will do a blood test for $19.00!!  I told my husband about it and he told me he doesn't want me to go. He wants us wait until March when I have my appointment. Could this be any more frustrating? Meanwhile, my 110lb sister-in-law said she always feels movement in her abdomen and it'd just bowels. I'm a fairly big girl and I don't remember ever feeling the sensations I've been feeling before. I guess I'm just crazy

Thank you all for your comments and help!!

[javilu]

That sounds really frustrating!  Argh!