My mom and mother-in-law love to tell me how back in their day, they didn't even know they were pregnant until they were weeks to a month late. Maybe ignorance is bliss, because what you didn't know couldn't hurt you.
Today, some people get positive pregnancy tests (BFPs) as early as 8dpo. While it is more common to get your first BFP 10-14dpo, is it worth it to test early?
I read a statistic that frightened the bejesus out of me. 60%-70% pregnancies are chemical, resulting in an early miscarriage before the fifth week. So that means if 6 out of 10 people were pregnant on 8dpo, only 4 will be on 14dpo.
I think there are valid reasons to test early. Of course, the suspense is horrible and let's face it, some of us are obsessive. Also, you can get tested early for progesterone levels and get supplements if you need them. You can get your HCG levels tested. They should double every other day, so if you get a BFP on 10dpo, you can get retested on 12dpo and by 13dpo when you get your results, you can tell if your pregnancy is moving in the right direction.
The cons are obvious-you get an early BFP, are ecstatic, tell your husband, tell your parents and three days later you get your period. Studies show that most chemical pregnancies would not have been detected had the woman waited until her period was due.
Chromosomal problems in the developing fetus are the most likely cause of a chemical pregnancy and couldn't have been avoided. Other possible causes are inadequate uterine lining or physical problems with uterus, LPD, infections, and hormonal issues. Given that there are these other causes that are treatable, it could be helpful to know so you could begin testing. Also, at least the woman would know she can get pregnant.
The earliest that I have ever tested was 10dpo and it was negative. Both times when I was pregnant I tested about a week after my period was due. I am not so sure I could be so disciplined now to wait to even 14dpo.
What do you think, is it worth it to know early?
I am not a fan of early testing. I have only done it once and it was because I was undergoing a medical procedure that was harmful to pregnant women. Psychologically, it's much easier for me to just think I got my period than deal with the heartbreak of a miscarriage.
ReplyDeleteI don't like early testing either. With my first pregnancy, I tested when I was 2 days late and even then it was a very faint postitive. With my second, I tested one day before AF was due but only because it was my husband's birthday and I had two symptoms that got me thinking that I may get a positive (spotting stopped and cervix was firm and closed). It was very faint but I tested several more times over the next 1 1/2 weeks. It wasn't a chemical pregnancy but I had a m/c / bleeding started exactly two weeks after AF was due.
ReplyDeleteIf I am late again, I will test but won't tell anybody, not even husband, if I can make it. It's too much to deal with it myself and then have to explain someone else as well. Not sure if I can make it that long but we'll see ...
If I can manage to get my hands on some Dollar Store HPTs then I might start testing early simply because of the clotting disorder that i have as well as I think I'm at the point that I NEED to know that I can get PG without help. I'm already slightly obsessive so what's one more thing to obsess over. I meant really aren't we all just slightly obsessive about TTC after 2+ years of nothing?
ReplyDeletePersonally, I am in favor of testing early. While it is true, that if I had waited until I was a couple of days late for my period - I would have most likely not known I was pregnant & miscarrying, BUT I would have also not known that I have now had 2 back to back chemical pregnancies and may need help in sustaining a future pregnancy. Because I am now armed with this knowledge, I can develop a plan for a successful future pregnancy (hopefully VERY soon!)....Best of luck to all regardless of when you decide to test!
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