I'm not a doctor, so I can't say how likely it is you could be pregnant. However, home pregnancy tests are designed to detect hCG in your urine. If you are not producing much hCG yet, then it won't pick it up. That is why they recommend waiting until you are a week past your expected period date. Many pregnancy tests can still detect the hormone when you initially miss your period, but the levels may not be up enough at that time to give a strong or really accurate reading. The test you can get from your doctor is more accurate, along with ultrasound and detecting early pregnancy. I just had this conversation with my own OB/GYN last Friday, so it's fresh in my mind. I'm not sure how it will help in your waiting game, but I try and think that if the test is negative, then you're not pregnant. However, if you don't get it, there's nothing wrong with retesting. I know how the waiting game can mess with your head, especially if you're worried something else may be going on. I had my own doctor test my thyroid "just in case," because I had a miscarriage and couldn't bear to find out I had some undiagnosed condition that was causing me to miscarry. The doctor told me that having one miscarriage doesn't predispose you to having another, but it does make them want to watch you more closely to check viability if you do turn up pregnant. I'm sure your doctor told you that already.
Anyhow, glad you have found value here. Please continue to keep us posted.
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I'm not a doctor, so I can't say how likely it is you could be pregnant. However, home pregnancy tests are designed to detect hCG in your urine. If you are not producing much hCG yet, then it won't pick it up. That is why they recommend waiting until you are a week past your expected period date. Many pregnancy tests can still detect the hormone when you initially miss your period, but the levels may not be up enough at that time to give a strong or really accurate reading. The test you can get from your doctor is more accurate, along with ultrasound and detecting early pregnancy. I just had this conversation with my own OB/GYN last Friday, so it's fresh in my mind. I'm not sure how it will help in your waiting game, but I try and think that if the test is negative, then you're not pregnant. However, if you don't get it, there's nothing wrong with retesting. I know how the waiting game can mess with your head, especially if you're worried something else may be going on. I had my own doctor test my thyroid "just in case," because I had a miscarriage and couldn't bear to find out I had some undiagnosed condition that was causing me to miscarry. The doctor told me that having one miscarriage doesn't predispose you to having another, but it does make them want to watch you more closely to check viability if you do turn up pregnant. I'm sure your doctor told you that already.
October 18, 2010 - 2:34pmAnyhow, glad you have found value here. Please continue to keep us posted.
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