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February 2012 Moms
I would just love to take a breath and relax...
Hi ladies! I have been lurking here now for the past week, trying to muster up the courage to post. I hope you'll bear with me as my nerves are getting the best of me.
First, let me introduce myself. I'm Kelly and as of today I am 5 weeks pregnant. I tested this past Sunday and had a faint positive. I then tested Monday morning and the BFP was clear. My OB had me go in for qualitative (no levels) blood work on Monday, which confirmed my pregnancy on Tuesday. I've been having mild to moderate cramping since this past Saturday, but no spotting or bleeding. Other than that, I don't think I've had any other symptoms (i.e., no sore breasts, no m/s, no food aversions, etc.).
Today, just to make myself feel better (and which ended up having the opposite effect), I tested again. The test was still positive, but the line did not seems as dark as it did on Monday. To clarify though, the line never seemed super dark to me anyway. (Note: I used the same brand First Response, Early Result for all of my tests.) Instinctively, this does not seem like a good sign. But, I really have no idea. So, that's why I'm turning to the wise and thoughtful words of the women on this board. Am I reading too must into the faint line...or am I right to be preparing myself?
I am feeling extremely anxious about my pregnancy. And, while my fianc? and I could not be any happier to have a baby on the way, I am ruining myself with all my worrying. Any thoughts or tips to help this teacher (who has waaaaay too much time on her hands thanks to summer break) take a breath and relax?
Thanks for reading...I didn't mean to write a thesis. 
This discussion has been closed.
Re: I would just love to take a breath and relax...
I wouldn't read too much into it-did you test at a different time of day? Your line could be darker or lighter depending on if you used first morning urine vs. middle of the day after a bunch of water, for instance.
I'm a teacher, too, and I try to stay busy so that I have less time to worry and scheme. Make a to-do list and do what you can. Go to the library, visit some thrift stores, do some crafts, find a new hobby. Make sure you get plenty of rest, though!
From what I have read the darkness of the line doesn't play into the strength of the pregnancy. It is positive then you are pregnant. It is probably better to not take more tests either because I know if I was doing that it would just make me crazy analyzing them!
It is hard not to worry. I know i do it. The cramping is totally normal, too. That is your uterus stretching. I have been getting it too over the last 2 weeks. Good luck and welcome to the board!
HPTs are only qualitative- just like the one your Dr. took. The dye in some of the tests is stronger than in others. Don't read anything into and STOP TESTING.
Your pregnant lady.
I did take my Monday test first thing in the morning, and I took today's test mid-afternoon. I guess I just assumed since I was a few days further along, it wouldn't really matter when I tested. But, I REALLY appreciate your response and reassurance.
Awesome, a fellow teacher! What grade do you teach? I teach fifth. Next week, I'm flying to a week-long training in North Carolina, so while I'm stressed as anything about flying, I think it will be good for me to have something scheduled and serious to do for a week.
I am really looking forward to getting back from North Carolina and getting back to paper crafting. I'm hoping it will be a good distraction.
I can completely relate to you. I have also been feeling anxious, and have POAS 4 out of the last 5 days just to keep seeing those two lines. That being said, I agree with the previous poster. The darkness of the line really can vary depending on how long you've held your urine, whether it's diluted due to drinking a bunch of water, etc. If it's stressing you out to compare the different tests, it may be a good idea to not take any more. I've heard this phrase on TB a lot, and I'm trying to remind myself of it when I get anxious to. Today I am pregnant and I love my baby. HTH!
I am absolutely taking all of your advice...and I am not testing again. Clearly, no good will come of it. I am a consummate over-analyzer.
On another note, I am flying to North Carolina on Sunday, and while my OB assured me it was safe to go through the new "full body scanner" security machines, I am still a little leery. The machines omit a small amount of radiation, and since they have been researched and tested for such a short time I am not totally convinced they are harmless.
To anyone other ladies who have flown while pregnant: Did you go through the new full body scanners (different from the old metal detectors) or did you opt for the pat down? I'm not too thrilled about either, but I'd like to make an informed decision about this.
Sorry for all the worrywart questions...I'll try to lighten it up moving forward.
i flew at five weeks...i just had them do a pat down instead of the body scanner.
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Missed MC 11/17/10 Our little miracle born 1/27/12 Natural MC 7/19/12 Missed MC 1/22/13 Our family is complete DD 12/27/13
Abnormal ANA, PAI-1 4G/4G homozygous