Is Delayed Menstruation A Sign Of Pregnancy?
I have just done a few pregnancy tests as I am overdue for my period, and am a bit confused by the results. Over the last 6 days I did three tests using the 'First Response' brand. The first one (last Saturday) had a very, very faint second line - more like a shadow. The second and third (Monday and yesterday) both had a faint but visible second line. However, this morning I did a Clear Blue digital test and the result was 'Not Pregnant'. I still haven't had my period (it will be a week overdue tomorrow), and I'm usually pretty regular. I didn't have any trouble falling pregnant with our first two children, and have never had a miscarriage. Is there still a chance that I might be pregnant?
Also, almost two weeks ago I came out with hives and couldn't think of what I had reacted to as I woke up with them. I have heard that hives can be a sign of early pregnancy, and have also heard that it could mean a boy, or multiples! What is your view on this?
Thanks, XXXXXXX
You may have had a chemical pregnancy
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
One of the possibilities of what happened to you is a situation that is generally called a "chemical pregnancy". This is a situation where you did conceive (enough for some pregnancy hormone to be produced, which only takes a few cells) but the pregnancy did not continue to develop for some reason. It is like a very early miscarriage.
The other possibility is that you may have performed the first two tests incorrectly. If you do a irine pregnancy test and let it sit longer than the time that is recommended in the instructions, it can give you a false positive.
Regardless, you should eventually get your period again in the next week or two. If you do not, and your pregnancy test is still negative, you may want to see a local doctor to do a hormonal evaluation.
I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that my advice was helpful. If you have any further issues or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown