UPDATE: PGAL brain - talk me down, please?

[crystaleyes138]

Ladies, I did something dumb. My 1st appointment is tomorrow and I thought, let me take a pregnancy test. No harm, right? Well, although it came back positive, it is no where near as dark as the others I took when I first got my BFP. The test is from the same pack as the other ones. Should I be worried? I have had no indication of anything being wrong (no bleeding or cramping). Some of my symptoms have subsided, although yesterday I felt like crap all day, and I also had a "period-like" headache. I am freaking out. I had a good old ugly cry in the shower today. I really don't want this to be another loss. Any thoughts? Words of wisdom?


I guess it was the hooking effect! My appointment went great. Baby is measuring exactly right with a 148 HB. Thank you so much for all of your support! 

[allycat]

No real words of wisdom, but I hope your appointment goes well today and your worry is over nothing.

Sometimes different tests can have different amounts of dye. Try not to totally freak yourself out.

[spazzz333]

First I totally understand why you took one and I did too the day before my first appt. The same thing happened they were super light I got myself all stressed out. I took a couple more not with first morning urine and they were much darker.

Breathe, relax everything will be fine. PGAL brain sucks it makes us all do crazy things. You are pregnant right now, you love your baby, just keep remembering that.

For the record I saw a heartbeat at my visit and everything is fine. I hope this helps even a little bit!

[cabgirl]

I've heard of this happening before! There's something called the "hook effect," where your HcG levels can be too high to be accurately read by a pregnancy test. I don't know a lot about it, but it's definitely a thing, and if you Google "hook effect" you'll come up with results. I hope that's what it is and that you're worrying for nothing, and get the desired results at your appointment! Good luck!

[kcrkcs]

No advice but wanted to wish you good luck form your appointment. Sorry you have to deal with this. Hugs.

[emejay]

*hugs* - At this point, there is nothing you can do other than wait for your apointment, but I've also heard the fact that HCG levels too high can do this to a pregnancy test.

[swbrigadoon]

I'm sorry you're upset about this. I have no advice, but I'm sending positive vibes for your appointment!

[lotusbee]

This SAME thing happened to me last night (and I took 2)! Trying not to worry about it as my first appointment is tomorrow as well. Try to keep thoughts positive and good luck at your appt tomorrow!

[SubtleGrandeur]

Hopefully everyone is right about the hook effect! Sending positive vibes your way for a good appointment!

[southernpeach89]

Sending lots of positive vibes your way and hoping for a great appointment for you tomorrow!

[butternut]

I'm so sorry you're so anxious and hopefully you get concrete answers tomorrow but all you can do it wait. It's torture I know. Good luck at your appointment!

[andied]

Sending positive vibes your way. Hope it goes well tmrw.

[cinqueterre2011]

Hugs to you. I know how scary it is but like others said your levels could be so high that it doesn't detect correctly. FX for an amazing appt. and hugs to you

[mamajop]

Ditto on the hook effect - I hope that is all it is. FX for a great appointment and calming thoughts for you mama. Please update us when you have time, I'll be thinking of you!

[keen]

I hope you get a good HAPPY cry when you see that all is well at your appt. Fxx!!

[BookishMomma]

As PP said, Google "the hook effect." At a certain point when betas get super high (as they probably are for you at 7 weeks), the tests will get lighter. There's some sort of chemical/scientific explanation for it that I won't even try to explain, but seriously. Google it. And stop peeing on things!

((HUGS)) though. All of us PGALers have been where you're head's at and it sucks.

[snakefisherbub]

Just here to wish you good luck tomorrow! I hope you are worrying about nothing.

[riderchik]

I'm hoping everything is ok and it is just the hook effect.

[andtheheartbreakers]

FX for you that everything is ok and it's just hook effect. As long as you are turning a test, no matter how dark, you are still pregnant at this time! Let us know how everything goes!

[indseylay]

Good luck tomorrow! I agree with PP, some tests don't have the same amount of dye in them.

[lotusbee]

Good luck today, crystaleyes138! We're appt twins!

Edited: bc I'm a comma whore.

[junewife]

Good luck at your appointment today! Please update us. Wishing you the best.