Help me read my test, please.

wendybdh

wendybdh

Cathlete
My DH and I are TTC #1. I am 13dpo and I decided to take a First Response pregnancy test last night. It showed a very faint pink line. So I took another one first thing this morning. Again it showed a very faint pink line-I appears just a tad lighter than the one on the test I took last night. Should I be concerned? Has this happened to anyone else?

Also a second line, no matter how faint still means positive, right?

Thanks in advance, Wendy
 
I'd say your pg Wendy. But if you are that nervous take another test by Answer Early or some other brand. Usually a line, is a line, is a line! Although some have reported First Responce to be in a VERY SLIM margin unreliable, I'd say you are far enough past ovulation to say it's probably correct. I totally wouldn't get all bent out of shape that one is a tad darker than the other, like I said it's a line. So.... hopefully this is congrats!:)
 
Welcome to the pregnancy forums, Wendy!! I look forward to hearing about your every twinge, cramp, and wave of nausea as the months go by!

By the way, there is some talk about posting belly pics, so beware! Of course, since your skin is still uninterrupted by stretch marks, it will probably be the prettiest belly on the block!

Sandra
 
I'll have a pretty belly too coz this is my first right? :p :)

Actually today is a great day to take those belly pics...goodness knows I'll be dying for something to keep my busy soon enough...

Already helped my DH seal a drafy window with plastic...have sauce cookin' that's almost done, probably gonna clean the house...still have to work out...hmmm...I'm sure I'll still have time for belly pics! :)


Have a great work out!

~Wendy~
Due Date: 5/19/05

http://www.bullmarketer.com/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/Sports/exercise/thumb_exercise15.gif

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?WENDYMIN
 
Yes, a second line means positive! Yes, I have had tests appear lighter. I worked in a family planning clinic with both of my pregnancies, so I had access to daily testing.

HCG, the hormone detected with pregnancy tests, is detectable once implantation occurs (usually 7-9 days post-CONCEPTION... not necessarily post-ovulation). It doubles every 36-48 hours, peaks at 8-10 weeks, then declines to lower levels the rest of pregnancy. It is most accurately measured with serum (blood) tests. It is very common for a positive urine pregnancy test to be faint in early pregnancy because of the lower levels of HCG. The line will darken as HCG increases, which yes you want to happen, but the urine tests do not provide a quantitative measurement.

As for the line being lighter today... are you comparing the test last night with the test this AM... a side by side comparison? The urine tests should have a timeframe for reading. For example, the tests used at the clinic are read after 5 minuts. Results read after 10 minutes are considered invalid. This is because the second line (positive line) darkens over time even in negative tests. So, a test that is negative may develop a faint line as the tests ages.

Take care!
 
>I'll have a pretty belly too coz this is my first right? :p
>:)

Absolutely!!! Take lots of pics! When I went into labour with my first, we were sitting around with nothing to do for hours upon hours (er, days, actually), so I put temporary tattoos all over my tummy. Maybe I'll do that again this time, and actually remember to take a pic!

I remember the morning during my first pregnancy when I first noticed the stretch marks. They were new, so they were very deep purple, and everywhere!! Lower abdomen, upper thighs, hips - AAAGGGGHHHHH! Either I never saw them earlier due to my belly overshadowing them, or they literally all appeared overnight. Thank heavens they lightened up over the years, but I will never, NEVER wear a bikini!

Sandra
 
Autumn,

I took another one this morning (for good measure)- definitely darker!

Thanks for explaining all that to me- it definitely helped.

I have heard from others that you are a great source of knowledge on this forum and I look forward to learning from you as well as everyone else.

Wendy:)
 
Wendy,

Did you hear the happy cheer just now? :) It was from me all the way in MO. I am thrilled for you!

I understand the "good measure". I was taking urine tests despite having progesterone and serum hCGlevels drawn with my last pregnancy. Did you wonder of you were seeing things? I kept turning my test... ok, TESTS... every direction... held them up to the light... threw open the curtains to look at them in sunlight... because I couldn't believe my eyes. I carried them with me everywhere to show everyone. We even took a picture. :) We were a little excited. :)

Thank you for the kind words... I blushed. :) I learn so much more from each of you on these forums than I am even capable of giving back!

Take care! I can't wait to see your belly photos in a few months! :)
 
Autumn

Autumn,

I actually did hear the happy cheer:)

I forgot to also say "Thanks" for suggesting the TCOYF book to Sandra. She recommended it to me and gave me great advice. It only took 3 months to get pregnant. Actually once I learned and actually applied the principles of the book, it only took one month!

I was ROFL because I kept looking at the tests from different angles just to make sure I wasn't seeing things. I also took pictures of them side by side. Come to think of it, I should print them out.:)

Wendy
 
RE: Autumn

It must be a nice feeling to be Toni Weschler and to know your book has brought so many people such relief and joy. Now *that's* a book worth writing!

Sandra
 
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