Post # 1

Member
365 posts
Helper bee

Hi All – Sort-of newbie here! I used Weddingbee years ago when I was getting married, but it’s been a while. Glad to be back!
We have been TTC for quite some time, so I’ve almost gotten to the point where I never really expect a positive. And now that it looks like I might have one, I don’t want to get too excited or get my hopes up. I’ve heard mixed feedback on the significance of faint lines on preg tests. I’ve heard that the lines should be getting progressively darker, but then others say that a positive is a positive, and faintness over time doesn’t matter.
My first faint positive on a Clinical Guard strip was on 9/12, the day my period should have started (12 dpo).
On 9/13, I took another CG strip and a First Response…both faint lines. Same results on 9/14.
This morning, I took another FR, as well as a ClearBlue digital (now 15 dpo). Both positive, but the FR seems so faint still (even fainter, actually). And I’ve heard really bad things about CB digital false positives, so I’m hesitant to trust it. I’ve attached some pictures. Tests are arranged oldest to newest, top to bottom.
So, my questions are: Would you take this as a positive result? Do you think I’m having a chemical pregnancy or miscarriage since the lines aren’t getting darker? Has anyone had similar results and ended up with a normal pregnancy?
I have an appointment to confirm pregnancy on 9/28, but that seems so long from now. I really want to be able to get excited, but I’m so scared to be let down. I would really appreciate any feedback on what you think could be going on. And apologies in advance…I don’t think I know all of the acronyms used on these boards, so bear with me if I ask some ridiculous questions.
Thank you!
Post # 2

Member
1443 posts
Bumble bee
I see the line for sure no the 1st from the left First Response (FR) test and even though it’s faint, I can still see it on the one on the right. I’m not so good at reading the strips, though.
Why don’t you take a digital test, the one that estimates how far along you are? I’d say that you’re pregnant for sure, but I don’t honestly know if a home pregnancy test (HPT) can tell you that you’re having a chemical pregnancy, so I wouldn’t get worked up there, BUT if you want to know before the 28th, go to a walk in clinic like Doctor’s Care if you’re in the US and get your blood drawn there. Fingers crossed (FX) for you!
I included a few common acronyms to help you out. Stick around here and you’ll be thinking in TTC lingo before you know it. Keep us posted, please! π
Post # 3

Member
4405 posts
Honey bee
It’s possible it’s a chemical…it’s also possible it isn’t. TBH, It’s just too early to tell. In terms of progression, the “rule” is that your numbers should double every 48 hours, so you really want to be comparing every other day (if you are even going to). Some people just implant late…or have slower numbers…and still have healthy babies. I know it sucks so hard, but really all you can do is wait.
Post # 4

Member
1365 posts
Bumble bee
my lines were getting darker, then i had one that was lighter than the rest. i didnt have a long enough hold and that was the reason it was light. how far along are you??? if youre not bleeding the hope is still there!
Post # 5

Member
3751 posts
Honey bee
With this pregnancy I ovulated later than normal and I had super faint lines, but had bloodwork done and my hcg was in fact doubling, but at 4w it was only 21!!! I’m now 22w pregnant. I have had chemicals though and my tests were faint as well and AF came just a couple of days late. It really could go either way. I hope it works out for the best!!
Post # 6

Member
9792 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
It is possibly a chemical pregnancy but also it’s possible it’s not, the pregnancy tests don’t tell you that for sure. When did you take all of the tests? Were they all FMU? It could be something as simple as not a long enough hold or you had too much water and your urine is more diluted.
Post # 7

Member
1256 posts
Bumble bee
Last cycle I had faint positives that got lighter and lighter until gone. AF came the same day = CP π I don’t mean to get you down… There definitely could be other reasons! And I totally get how you feel about trying so long that you don’t even expect a positive anymore. FX for you!!
Post # 8

Member
365 posts
Helper bee
Thanks for the feedback, all! Much appreciated!
MissTNBookworm: Thanks for the acronyms! π I got a digital test but picked up the wrong kind…doesn’t estimate how far along I am. I’m going to follow your suggestion and go the walk-in clinic after work today for a blood test. This would be my first pregnancy and I’m far too anxious to wait two weeks for my appointment!
bgswifey: if counting from my LMP (look at me using these fancy acronyms like I know what I’m doing!), I’d be 4 weeks 4 days today, so still very early. My period is now three days late, no bleeding, but I’ve had some mild cramping for the past four days. Not sure if that’s good, bad, or normal! I’ve done all my tests first thing in the morning, so I felt a little disheartened when I saw the even-fainter test this morning. Crossing my fingers, though!
Post # 9

Member
3827 posts
Honey bee
As long as you arent severely cramping or bleeding you can assume you are pregnant. There isn’t really anything a doctor can do for you if its going to be a chemical, so the best thing to do is take another test in a few days and see if it gets darker.
Post # 10

Member
1365 posts
Bumble bee
mrsdanish: I had cramping from weeks 2-5. Cramping is totally normal. If you are still not bleeding there is still a chance!!!!!! Updates?????
Post # 11

Member
365 posts
Helper bee
Update – I went for a blood test yesterday, so should hopefully hear back today or tomorrow. But took another FR and Clearblue digital this morning. The FR is now a barely-visible positive, and the digital test now reads “Not Pregnant” (was “Pregnant” yesterday). Unfortunately, I’m pretty sure it will be a chemical pregnancy. π Still not bleeding yet, though.
Post # 12

Member
3751 posts
Honey bee
mrsdanish: I’m so sorry to hear it π π
Post # 14

Member
5407 posts
Bee Keeper
I’m so sorry π FX for you and sending hugs!
Post # 15

Member
365 posts
Helper bee
Thanks for the support, ladies! Just started bleeding, so pretty much confirmed that this one is a no-go. Such a bummer! But it does give me some hope that I at least had a positive test, so I know it’s possible for me to get pregnant. Just need the next one to stick! Hope to be able to post good news in the near future!
Does anyone happen to know how soon you can get pregnant after a chemical pregnancy? Will I likely ovulate normally this next cycle?