[jessitron]

Julie, maybe today's tests are from a different batch and didn't get quite as much of the line-making stuff.<br>
How much are you spending on pregnancy tests??

 

[knowerofnada]

Thanks for responding. One of the Clear Blue tests was from a box I've already used. I had to open a new box to get the 2nd test.<br><br>
I've been spending way too much, and we really can't afford it, either. I was going to finish my last box then not buy any more because I'm already past the point of my last chemical pregnancy by 1/2 week and I was starting to feel pretty good about it and much calmer. How can I possibly stop now? <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad">

 

[jessitron]

Julie, let this be the reason that you stop now. They aren't reassuring you anymore, are they? IF the number of seconds was ever an indication of your hCG level, it has stopped working. One thing the tests can't do is make your baby any healthier. Buy yourself some Pregnancy Tea instead!

 

[NatureMama3]

Julie, I speak as one formerly possessed by the POAS virus. Step away from the tests! They are NOT beta-specific. They all have their own amount of test solution laid down and it's variable per batch from the manufacturer. Even though they do get darker, it is truly only meant to be a yes/no thing. After such point as they get about equally dark, they're no more use period.<br><br>
It is far more useful and less stressful to get betas done at a clinic (supposedly even planned parenthood will do this).<br><br>
Honestly, I have wasted probably thousands of dollars and worse in time worrying in the past and it never has yet changed any of my outcomes (whether of my 17 losses or my as of yet 3 sticky pregnancies).<br><br>
This time I forced myself to do only ONE test per week until it was that equally dark and then no more. It's crazy-making and very hard on an already worried heart.

 

[khaoskat]

For me, I have never gotten darker lines with any of the tests, I just get faint lines, but huge dark ones and quickly at the DR's office.<br><br>
I usually end up buying a digital after about 3-4 line tests, because I just cannot tell for sure any other way.

 

[knowerofnada]

Thanks Jess & Christine. I know you're right. Nothing good can come of this obsessive testing. I have one more digital test left, and I won't spend any more money.<br><br>
Christine -- 17 losses??? OMG. Bless your heart.

 

[blueridgewoman]

knower, maybe you got a different batch of tests for those ones that tested later?<br><br>
I know you don't need me to tell you this, but you're going to drive yourself insane. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol"> How far along are you? Any chance you could call your OB and ask for an ultrasound or a blood test just to reassure yourself?

 

[blueridgewoman]

Sorry, I'm a dummy and didn't see that there was a second page. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/lol.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="lol">

 

[mommy-X-2]

So last week was a hard one for me. Both of my m/c happened between 5 and 6 weeks. While I know that Im not completly out of the woods. I feel so much better knowing that I made it to 7 weeks.

 

[knowerofnada]

<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/jumpers.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="jumpers">: Yay, Stacy!!

 

[ASusan]

Well, ladies, I have an ultrasound scheduled for tomorrow. It's just about all I can think about. I have some symptoms, but I can attribute many of them to being on progesterone supplements.<br><br>
If everything is OK, I'm buying pants that fit, and I'm spending some money at the fluff factory auction. (Benefit for Autism Speaks.)<br><br>
If everything is not OK, I'm throwing myself into my work.

 

[Brisen]

Tomorrow is the day I started spotting and then bleeding in the preg I started a year ago, in which I stayed pg the longest. This week is going by so slowly. I had my first appointment last week; my mw set up an appointment for me with an OB on Monday, to do bloodwork I guess -- she wasn't very clear about it. I find myself not wanting to go. If my vitex is doing the trick (and I'm certainly pg a lot longer than the three previous losses), I just don't want to bother. Dh was just promoted at work and can't get the time off; I have three kids with me. I don't want to tell them about the preg yet. The app't is at a hospital; I'm not crazy about taking my kids to a hospital during flu season in a major city. I might be able to find someone to look after my older two, but my toddler wouldn't go for it. I don't know if they'll want to do an u/s, but I sure don't, and I'm not really in the mood to go to an app't and just have to fight what they want. Ugh. I'm not sure if I should cancel. Every time I try to sit and think about it, I get upset and teary.

 

[jessitron]

They can do that bloodwork any time in the pregnancy. If you don't want to go in yet, don't.<br><br>
ASusan, I hope your ultrasound goes great! I'm anxious to hear about it.<br><br>
I was thinking about what khaoskat said, about being unable to get excited. That BFP doesn't mean we're going to have a healthy baby. It's more like getting selected in the auditions for American Idol. It doesn't mean we'll win, but it means we have a chance!

 

[Brisen]

Jessitron, it's actually bloodwork to check my progesterone levels, to see if I need to supplement. That's why they want it now. I wasn't clear about it -- I'm not thinking to clearly about any of this, I think. They did draw blood at my mw appointment, 7 vials, but apparently, progesterone is one thing they don't do.

 

[jessitron]

7 vials! Good grief!<br>
If your progesterone is low, will you take the supplements? That sounds like a good reason to go in, if you think you might need it. You can still turn down an ultrasound if they offer. If they fight you on it, have them ask the doctor. If the OB fights you on it, you know it's time to switch. It can be a good early indication of whether you're with the right care providers.

 

[crazycandigirl]

I just got back from my ultrasound.<br>
Everything looks great. Babe is measuring 8w6d and the heartbeat was 170.<br><br>
The RE is going to continue checking my progesterone and will wean me off it when it is time, but I will be going to my regular OB for the rest of the pregnancy.<br><br>
I am so glad that little pumpkin is growing so well. I am so happy.<br><br>
Have a great day!

 

[jessitron]

Hurray! That's awesome!

 

[ASusan]

Yay for you! You must be so relieved.

 

[Aeress]

I hadn't checked in to this thread...scared to. I had a miscarriage over the summer (late july/early august) at 6weeks. I am 7 weeks now, so I am trying to stay positive.<br><br>
I decided to go with a midwife and I will not get an ultrasound, which took me along time to come to terms with, but I decided that I have to trust that this baby will grow just fine without one.<br><br>
I think fall we be beautiful this year and I am praying that our babes will enjoy the days in the fall leaves.

 

[ASusan]

Phew! We saw the heartbeat this morning. I was shocked.<br><br>
167 beats per minute. It was measuring at 9w4-5d. This puts me at the very end of September, beginning of October. We even saw arm buds, and maybe leg buds.<br><br>
DH and I are keeping this to ourselves for now.