Conference moira::parenting_v3

    I knew the day after conception that I was pregnant.  I don't know how
    I knew, I just did.  I think it was because it was exactly two weeks to
    the day after the first day of my last menstrual cycle.  I had just gone
    off the pill but at the time, I didn't want to get pregnant so it was
    inevitable that it would happen.  Sure enough two weeks later I was
    late.  The baby is due in a couple more weeks. :-)
    
    Lori B.

    Wow, you're lucky.  We've only just started trying, but we hit this 
    month on the 14th day, but I can't tell anything.....  Everything I
    read says don't expect anything too soon.  It usually takes the
    average couple 6 months!
    

    With both my pregnancies, I had spotting a few days before my period
    was due.  The first time I was fooled into thinking that I'd had an
    early and light period (and continued efforts to try to get pregnant). 
    The second time, I figured this was a repeat pattern, and knew I was
    expecting number two.
    
    Gail

    ...even a few days before my period was due.  I think I still wince and
    cross my arms when I'm in a car and a pothole is coming up--I couldn't
    stand being joggled!  The good news is, that didn't last for long - a
    couple of weeks? - but you do get the same feeling months later when
    lactating.
    
    (_Now_ I can hear the discomfort in Bossy's morning "Mooooo!")
    
    Leslie

    I had all the symptoms of my period, except that my breast ached
    _SO_ bad I couldn't stand it. I never wear bras, but I had to then.
    At 4 weeks, I was naseous.
    
    Sometimes it's little things that clue you in like your face breaking
    out when it usually never does, or a sudden "bloat" from water
    retention (that's how I new with my second).
    
    Good luck (BTW, I got a great book when we were trying the first
    time called, "How to Get Pregnant". Sorry I can't remember the author,
    but I know you could find it in any store. It had alot of tips that
    can help. I was pregnant in 2 weeks!)
    
    Dot

    Breast soreness, definitely.
    
    A kind of heaviness throughout my whole body, as though it had
    just picked up a burden that was going to be carried by every
    cell.
    
    Headaches.
    
    A general feeling of change that is sort of like when I'm just
    starting to come down with the flu, only not an unwell feeling.
    
    I know it's kind of vague, but I've only felt that way a few
    times:  about three weeks after Kat was conceived (at a time when
    I thought I couldn't possibly be pregnant) and about 2-4 weeks
    after David was conceived (but not for Steven), and twice when my
    period then came late and was very heavy with bad cramping; my
    doctor says those could well have been early miscarriages.  
    
    --bonnie

    I had  become pregnant  only two months after being on the
    pill for (gulp!) 10 years! I tried 3 home test and 2 blood test and all
    were negative. I couldn't believe it because i had symptoms! Like late
    menstrual cycle,breast tenderness was a biggie. And a bunch of little
    dry patches on my arms.(i knew someone at the time who was pregnant
    with the same dry skin). Then i found out on Jan 5th this year i was
    8 weeks pregnant! My husband knew somehow but i had no clue. I didn't
    feel anything. Sooo, to make a long story short, I guess sometimes you
    don't have early symptoms. But i have to tell ya, as soon as the
    pregnancy was confirmed by the doctor, that's when the symptoms started!  
    Everyone experiences differnt feelings or none at all depending on how
    far along you are.
    
    
    11 weeks to go! :-)
    
    Sandy
     

I had no "symptoms" either, until I was about 2 mos. along, when I started
getting VERY tired at night. I would fall asleep on the couch by 8:30!!!

- Lori

    I don't remember anything aching.  Nothing was sore.  I did, however,
    have a sensation in my lower abdomen, it felt not bloated but "full".
    I had a real good clue after that that I was pregnant - this was when I
    was only a couple weeks pregnant.  
    
    I remember feeling a few times, I must have been only days pregnant,
    like I was about to get my period.  Not cramps but that (what I call)
    bubbling feeling in my abdomen.  But it never did come.
    
    Some women get sooooo many symptoms, I didn't get much but I was tired
    at 8:30 at night - like clockwork - for the first two-three months.
    
    Nancy
     

    With my first, I was very tired, felt hungry all the time, and
    had aching breasts.  With my second, I didn't have any symptom.  
    However, my husband told me that I look different.  Somehow, he
    knows.
    
    Wendy

    I also didn't have any symptoms at first, but about 2-3 weeks after I
    conceived, I was very tired and irritable.  I thought it was because I
    had a nasty cold and was trying to stay up late to finish off some
    Christmas presents before going to visit the in-laws.  My husband
    insisted I was pregnant.  I took a home pregnancy test to prove him
    wrong so I could take some cold pills.  The test came out positive. 
    Needless to say, I didn't take the pills.  Junior is due Aug 17, and I
    can't wait.

    marianne

I knew about a week into it... I was in the bath and as I pulled myself out
my stomach muscles felt sore.  And I hadn't been doing any new or special
exercises.  The positive verification was still somewhat a shock!

Marty

    My husband knew before I did all three times.  He would go around 
    telling everyone I was pregnant (and I wouldn't even be late)....
    sure enough, he was right every time!  I never really got any
    other symptoms other than him insisting I was!  Although, as soon
    as it would be confirmed that I was pregnant, the morning sickness
    would start!  10 weeks to go with number three...Yipeeeee!

    First, see parenting_v2 note 1826.  It has 35 replies about pregnancy
    symptoms.
    
    For me, both times it was a 'popping out' of my stomach, which weren't
    and still aren't very tight.  Within days of getting pregnant, by my
    calculations, my pants were tight and my bra cups just didn't fit
    anymore.  Within a week, I put on about 8 pounds and figured I needed
    to go on a diet real bad.  But then a week later my period was late,
    the EPT said positive, and we were off and running.
    
    Best of luck,
    
    Donna
    

    
    About a week after I conceived my breasts started to get tender.
    I was also much more tired than normal. One night I came home and
    cracked open a beer and I wasn't eve half way thorugh it when I
    was almost passed out on the couch. This was at 8:15pm so I knew
    something was up. When my period didn't show up on the due date
    (I'm VERY regular) I knew I was pregnant.
    
    Patty

    With my first pregnancy which ended in a miscarrage at 6 weeks in Nov.
    88. I knew at about 2 weeks because of a nauses feeling everytime I got
    out of bed.
    
    I got pregnant with Alexander born Nov. 4 1989.  2 months after the
    miscarrage (witch was a tramatic experience) and knew about a week after 
    I conceived.  I got up one morning and felt realy sick (nothing happend) 
    went to visit mom in the hospital at the time and told her I was pregnant 
    and she told me I was crazy a few weeks later it was confirmed be a 
    blood test. Plus I also knew because my breast got really tender and
    sowllen(sp) I think I was in maternity bras at 1 month.  I only had 1
    week of morning sickness but suffered with galblader problems for 7 1/2
    months.
    
    good luck 
    
    Liz

    Having said all that, is it worth taking a home pregnancy test the
    day your period is due, or is it better to wait a few days?  I would
    feel awful if I got a positive result and then got my period a couple
    of days later.  Are there any thoughts out there on this.

	It depends on the test.  Most of the EPT's nowadays say they are 
effective 1 day after the missed period.  

	I took a test the day after I was due and voila'!  blue stick.  
(Very blue! No doubt about it.)

Tracey

    I used the "Fact Plus" (plus or minus sign) test when I was only
    a few days late and within about 10 seconds, a big, bright plus
    sign magically appeared.  There was absolutely no doubt with this
    test...  My daughter was born Oct. 16, 1989.
    
    - K

     I used the First Response Test when my period was l day late. And we 
    were in the pink!! And the test took just 5 minuets. Baby number 1 is
    due in 10 weeks!:-)
    
    
    Sandy
    

    Has anyone ever taken an early pregnancy test before they were 1 day
    late?  What were the results?
    
    Sue

    I took the clear blue stick test before I was late, actually a couple
    of days before I was due...and I took it at night!  It immediately
    turned blue (a blue line).  I'm due in August.  I have heard that
    the tests rely on the amount of HCG in your system.  So if you ARE
    pregnant, the test should show positive even at night.  However, the
    reason the tests are more accurate when done in the a.m. is because
    chances are you haven't urinated in about 6 hours, making your HCG 
    level very high if you are pregnant.  And of course, the same is true
    if you take the tests too soon...your level may not be high enough.
    This is what I was told by a lab technician.  It may not be entirely
    accurate...But it works for me!
    
    Good luck!
    
    Lisa

    I had a friend who didn't produce enough HCG to change the color
    of the stick or even enough to test positive on the serum test --
    her pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasound.
    
    She's not a close friend so I don't know the details of her
    pregnancy, but I think they had to give her shots of artificial
    HCG or some other hormone to keep the pregnancy going; she did
    have a normal baby girl.  
    
    --bonnie

    I'm posting this note for a parenting member who wishes to remain
    anonymous at this time.  
    
    =================================================================
Hi,

I am writing anonomously because this is a personal subject that I would 
rather not share with my co-workers until I'm ready to...

I wanted to ask the experienced people in this notes file what the early 
signs of pregnancy are.  Also, if you think you may be pregnant, what is the 
process of finding out for sure?  (If these questions have been answered 
elsewhere, please let me know.)

I'm late for my period, but I'm not sure how late.  Usually, I write down 
the date and time of each period.  If it's late, I write down possible 
reasons - such as sick in bed / on medication.  I'm usually quite regular.  
Even after getting off the pill (which I'd been on for a few years) I was 
regular right away.  A few odd times (very seldom) I've been up to two weeks 
late.

I waited until now to ask, because I figured if I'd had a period in 
mid-May, then I'd let it go to about two weeks late (now) before I started 
seriously thinking about it...  

The last date that I have written down as to the start of my period is 
April 10th.  I just wonder if perhaps I forgot to write down the next date.
I remember thinking that my period should be coming soon at the end of May 
and mentioning it to my husband.  His reply way "No, you just had it didn't 
you?"   -  But if I think back, he always thinks it just happened! 

Also, I have a hard time believing that I could be pregnant... because my 
husband and I have been so busy, we've hardly had any time for sex.  Also, 
we use the withdrawal method (because we don't mind if I / we get pregnant.) 
I would actually be very happy if I was pregnant.  It's just hard to believe 
that I could be.

A week or so ago, it crossed my mind that maybe I could be... but, then I 
started watching for symptoms... and really, so far... nothing.  I have had 
some flutters in my stomach and have felt like I was going to be starting 
my period.  I kept thinking that these are just signs of my approaching 
period.  My breasts are just slightly tender... but other than that - NOTHING.

My two sisters just had babies and both of them had slight morning nausea.  
They had to eat small amounts constantly to stay feeling well, etc.  I 
feel absolutely normal... nothing is different.

So, I'm trying to find out if it's normal to feel so normal when you're 
pregnant.  I will be scheduling a pregnancy test real soon, but I wanted to 
hear from this notes file first.  Also, what will the pregnancy test include 
/ be like?  I'd like to know what to expect.

                            Thanks so much
                             

    re: 24	I was in the same boat a few months ago, only my periods
    were never at regular intervals. My first symptom was when I came home
    from work early one day and went right to bed. For the next two days I
    couldn't keep any food down. Even the thought of food made me queasy.
    At first I thought I had the flu (it being February at the time), but
    something told me it wasn't the flu at all. I also noticed that my
    breasts were sore and aching. I described the symptoms to my sister
    and she suggested that I get a home pregnancy tests, just to put my mind
    at ease.

    I had gone through two years of taking my temperature and Clomid, but
    was unsuccessful in conceiving. The doctor had discovered that my
    ovaries were not ovalating. I was told that the only way I could et
    pregnant, was to go on hormones. Well, I am now convinced that Frank
    has the hormone I needed. We are expecting our first in October.

    So, I suggest a home kit, just to put your mind at ease. This way, you
    will know one way or another and the guessing games are over. If the
    home test comes out positive, call your gyn/ob to schedule a blood test
    to be certain. You will have the results in about two hours.

    Best wishes, I know what you are going through!!
    Norma

    With my second I used EPT on the 11th day after conception (at least
    4 days prior to my period and it came out positive.  My OB/GYN didn't
    even give me a pregnancy test since false positives are very rare.
    
    When in doubt use a home test!

    I agree with .26 - if you have any questions - just get one of the home
    tests!  I have used them a few times, and when I really was pregnant - 
    there was no doubt about it!  Dark BLUE!  Before getting a positive
    test, I used to wonder if I would have trouble determining if the stick
    was really "blue" or if I had just been looking at it too long - but there 
    was no question.
    
    For me, my first symptom was sickness in the morning - looking at
    breakfast.  For me it progressed to feeling sick all day, but it only
    lasted 6 weeks, and many people never feel any nausea.  I have never
    heard of anyone who didn't have breast soreness....anyone out there?
    
    Good Luck - my daughter is now 7 months old and she's such a joy!
    
    Diana

    
    I too was unsure as to whether it would be easy to identify a positive
    (for me, PURPLE) test, but there was absolutely NO mistaking it
    - bright PURPLE within only about half a minute!
    
    A strange symptom I experienced, which I've never heard mention
    of before and which I'm not even sure was related to my pregnancy
    anyway, was disturbance to my vision.  It only happened twice, but
    it was extremely strange - it was like having partial or tunnel
    vision for about an hour - if I looked at someone's face, I could
    only see half a face, one eye, half a nose, half a mouth!  It was
    pretty scary too, because I didn't know I was pregnant at the time.
    It was sort of like black blots all over the place!  The next day,
    driving to work, the windscreen looked as if it had crystal, rotating
    patterns in it.  Needless to say, I stopped driving!
    
    I've been told this sounds like migraine symptoms.  But I've never
    had migraine, have not experienced this since and must have been
    about 4 weeks pregnant at the time.  
    
    I also had nausea, but wasn't sick, extreme tiredness and very tender
    breasts.
    
    My little one is due on 19th November!
    

    The following reply is being entered for a parenting member who
    wishes to remain anonymous at this time:
    
    =========================================================
	On the  seamer  side  of the Pregnancy Discussion, if you're
	feeing  nauseous,  is  it better to just get sick (ie, throw
	up),  or  just  try  and let it pass? I know for some people
	there  isn't  an option. I was just wondering if it's like a
	hangover.  Sometimes,  if  you  just throw up, you feel much
	better. 

	I've been  feeling  nauseous  but haven't had to rush to the
	bathroom.   But   the   nausea  hangs  around  and  I  can't
	concentrate. Eventually (anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours
	later),  things  will settle down. I was thinking I might be
	able to hurry it along if I gave in and got sick.

	Any suggestions?

    re: .29
    
    I always found it helped to just throw up.  A cup of coffee was
    usually a good trigger . . . 
    
    re: .28
    
    One of the 'what to expect when you're pregnant' booklets that the
    doctor gave me mentioned visual disturbances.  I never met anybody
    who had them before, though. 
    
    re: breast tenderness
    
    I didn't have any breast tenderness at all with my first pregnancy
    and was really quite surprised when it happened with the second
    one.  And that prepared me for the third one, which was even
    worse.  
    
    --bonnie 

    Well, all the worrying and whatever was for naught...Our Monthly
    Visitor showed up at about 1:30 a.m. today (almost a whole day late,
    I'm _never_ late!).  I'm sure it's for the best, but I do feel kind
    of bad.  Wish us good luck next month!  
    
    Now how do I stop thinking about it all the time?!?
    
    *********
    
    Re .29:  I'm one of those people who usually feels WORSE after
    throwing up!  I had a duodenal (sp?) ulcer years ago, and found
    that vomiting was harder on my system than fighting off the nausea.
    When I got pregnant with James, I found that those little cheese-and-
    peanut-butter crackers were actually pretty helpful in staving off
    nausea.  Tums worked best later on, when I had heartburn all day long.
    (Good source of calcium, too.)  My pregnancy-related nausea responded
    better to protein -- cheese, skim milk, etc. -- than to antacids,
    probably because I tend to get nauseated if I go too long between
    meals, whether or not I'm pregnant.  Your mileage may vary.

And I thought I was the only one who had weird vision!  I had the
"crystal" like designs a couple times with this pregnancy.  The
second time (and I think this time too) I was pregnant my nearsightedness
improved by about 50%.  I had to change contacts and got 1/2 my
prescription.

I found that throwing up helped me feel much better.  When it got
so I was "close to the edge" I'd just pop a finger down my throat.
(and naturally, if I ever catch my kid doing that... :-).   )

Liz

    I've never had migraines (knock on wood) but I did get the visual aura
    phenomenon.  It wasn't early in the pregnancy, though - I think it was
    3rd trimester.
    
    The first time gave me a good scare, but it went away (the cycle time
    for mine was about 20 minutes) and I think it was a week or two between
    "attacks"... I didn't call my doctor (bad, BAD Patient!) and had never
    heard of it happening to anyone else.  They went away as mysteriously
    as they came, though I can't remember how late in the pregnancy the
    last one was.  I've since heard that it's not uncommon, and it
    apparently is the same kind of "aura" that migraine sufferers get (1/2
    hour or so before the headache part hits).
    
    What happened with me was similar to .28's second (windscreen)
    experience.  A portion (usually a "corner") of my visual field would
    start to - well, *twinkle*, I guess.  Then that patch would inexorably
    spread to cover most of the visual field, hold for a while, and recede. 
    It's not that things went BLACK - or WHITE - it was more like the
    computer-altered images you see on TV where a suspect wants to remain
    anonymous, only the little pixels aren't rectangular.  It was really
    quite beautiful (from a photog's standpoint!) but it was annoying that
    everyday life had to go on and I was visually impaired for the
    duration.
    
    Leslie

    .33 describes it perfectly.  I didn't get it with my first pregnancy
    or with this one, but my second one I did....along with awful migranes.
    It usually would last about 2 hrs...I would always just go right to bed
    because it would really scare me (and my husband).  Of course, the
    vision disburbances were not always accompanied by migranes.  And my
    doctor did tell me that it was not that uncommon.  I also wear glasses
    for distance, and my doctor told me NOT to change my prescription even
    if I felt I needed to.  He said that my vision would go back to normal
    after the baby was born.  (Now that I think of it, maybe that is why
    I got the migranes!)...who knows.
    
    

    
    Well, thank goodness I'm not the only one!  .33 knows exactly what
    I mean.  I wonder what causes it, though.  I would be interested to know
    - is it just all those hormones rushing around?  
    
    Another rather scary happening has been being sent *totally* off balance
    with no prior warning.  It's like you blink your eyes and suddenly
    it's as if someone has tipped the ground so that the whole world
    seems to go off kilter.  It makes me feel I have to grab hold of
    the edge of the table or something to keep from falling over.  It's
    a bit like I'd imagine it to be on Star Trek when the Starship
    Enterprise is going through a meteor shower and Captain Zula etc. get 
    thrown violently around ....... well, perhaps it's not quite
    that bad!  It only lasts a few seconds, but the first time it happened
    it really shook me up!  It's not preceded or accompanied by any
    dizziness or sickness, or anything.
    
    I suppose, again, it could be hormones ...... or perhaps it's just
    from staring at the screen too much!
    
    Alison

    The visual disturbances sound just like the ones I get before I
    get a bout of migraine -- only I never get either disturbances or
    the headaches while I've been pregnant.
    
    I gather that the hormones cause the blood vessels in your brain
    to constrict, causing reduced blood supply and pain. 
    
    Normally I'm glad for the visual disturbances (some of which are
    VERY hard to explain to someone who's never had them -- like the
    pinkish aura, which makes everything look like it had a strong
    pink light shining through its edges) because they give me about
    an hour's warning that I'm about to get a monster headache, and
    sometimes if I can lie down and cover up and get myself really
    warm it will go away in an hour or two.  Running hands and feet
    under warm water sometimes helps, too.
    
    --bonnie

    With my last pregnancy I had the most enhanced sense of smell - I
    thought this is what a dog must feel like with its keenly developed
    nose!  Everything was filled with an odor - food, cologne, rain, the
    inside of my car - everything.  It was really wierd.
    
    Pregnancy also does strange things to your blood pressure, which of
    course affects various parts of the body and can easily bring on bouts
    of dizziness, partial blackouts etc without really being considered
    "abnormal".  It was quite ordinary for my blood pressure to be 80/55
    during my doctor checkups while pregnant.  Getting up from a seated
    position was a bit risky sometimes!
    

    Hi,
    
    I am now nearly six months pregnant, and I can truely
    say that I had no idea I was pregnant until about the
    sixth/seventh week.  I had missed a period, but I was
    getting symtopms of it starting all the time, so I
    just thought I was late.
    
    One morning in the seventh week, I got up and went down
    for breakfast, as I put the first monthful into my month
    I felt violently sick.  I thought "ah ha!" and it dawned
    that I might be pregnant.
    
    Looking back afterwards, the only thing I had noticed
    before the sickness started was that I had been more tired
    than usual, and had in fact mentioned that on a couple of
    occasions to my husband.  I had put it down to the fact
    that we had just moved house, but obviously it wasn't!!
    
    It was the first month we tried, and I am 38, so
    I was expecting to wait ages to conceive, so I just didn't
    twig!!
    
    I have, however, got other friends who had more obvious 
    symtoms earlier, so I think it must vary, like everything
    else in pregnancy!!
    
    Good luck and all the best!
    
    Sarah

    Thanks everyone for all your input.  I have 2 more days 
    to wait and see if mother nature was successful!!!  The
    waiting is killing me, but I think we'll be practicing 
    again next month.  I don't have any symptoms yet, and boy
    I've been looking for them.
    
    Sue

    Lots of good luck, Sue!  Maybe we'll be preggo together!!
    
    Kate

    
    Fingers crossed for you, Sue!  Keep us posted.
    
    Alison
    

    Nothing for last month, so we're trying again this month....
    
    Thanks,
    Sue

    The first sign I got was frequent nose bleeds, and these have been the
    bane of my pregnancy (now into its 6 month).  I felt very little breast 
    tenderness, although they did enlarge noticably, and I did
    feel the need to visit the bathroom more often.
    
    The nausea didn't arrive until the 9th week (I thought I was going
    to get away with it, but nature knew otherwise).  I didn't EVER
    vomit, although I 'gagged' a few times.  I found that, rather
    than trying to vomit, eating fruit sometimes helped, or anything
    else with a low fat/sugar/spice content.  If I ate anything
    of that description I felt sick almost immediately after
    eating it!
    
    I didn't think I was pregnant for a few days, because I kept getting
    period pains, so I was expecting the period.  Now I know that these
    pains were really minor contractions and may also be a sign of 
    early pregnancy.
    
    The home tests are really accurate for positive identification.  If
    they say you're pregnant, than you can almost guarantee you are.  If
    they say you're not - then it's worth trying again in a few days.
    
    Like a previous noter, my doctor didn't test me at all once I said I
    had done the home test.  Their tests are not any more accurate these
    days.
    
    
    Good luck!
    
    [Ruth]

    Yes, this is another preganancy related question!
    
    I was going to enter this in another related note, but was afraid
    it would not be seen. So hopefully the moderators won't move me!
    
    Anyway, as I am writing this note, my period will probably start
    but I figured I'd go ahead anyway. THis is the problem. My periods
    are extremly regular with a capital R. I am 3 days late, and have
    had a back ache in my lower back for 2 solid weeks. I have all the
    symptoms of my period, but nothing yet. I have had cramps with my
    first pregnancy, but never such a back ache. Do you think I could
    be pregnant? Or do you think it could be the stress I've had
    lately delaying my period?
    
    I hate to get a test done at only 3 days late and having cramps
    and all. I keep thinking it is coming. And BTW, we were not trying
    for a baby, but have been using condoms...and not with any spermicide.
    So it is possible that I am preganant.
    
    Thanks for the support.

    re: .44
    
    Yes, I think it could be the stress.  Yes, I think you could be
    pregnant.  
    
    What I'd probably do in your shoes is buy a home pregnancy test
    and check it that way. 
    
    The only time I remember hearing of backache as an early pregnancy
    symptom was several years ago when my sister-in-law had a tubal
    pregnancy (one that's implanted itself in the fallopian tubes
    rather than in the uterus), so if the test came back positive, I'd
    probably call my OB/GYN right away and ask about the possibility. 
    I think they can usually detect a problem pretty early with the
    modern high-resolution ultrasounds.
    
    --bonnie
    
    

    I agree with the previous note and get yourself a home pregnancy test. 
    These can be fairly expensive in terms of cost but cheap in terms of
    putting your mind at rest.  I found them to be very accurate, very
    simple to use, and very quick to give a result.  
    
    My husband and I had been trying for a baby for about 6 months and
    something told me, even on the day I was due to have a period that I
    could possible be pregnant.  I hadn't had my normal cramps and bloated
    feeling, so I brought a test (2 in 1) and did them that day.  Within
    three minutes I had my positive result.  Hooray!
    
    If your result shows up negative and you still have not had a period I
    suggest that you contact your doctor asap just for a once over.
    
    The kit I used was 'Clear Blue'.
    
    Good luck what ever you want the result to be.
    
    Barbara
    

    re: .45   I've read that if you do have tubal pregnancy, the home
    tests may not show that you're pregnant.  Something to do with the
    normal hormones that show up in the urine don't get produced because
    you don't actually have a baby in your uterus.  So, I'd definately
    second (or third?) the suggestion to check with your doctor if you
    don't get your period soon, even if the home test is negative.
    
    -Cathy

    I took a home test last night and it was negative. What bothers
    me is this backache. So I called the OB and they said to go get
    a blood test to make sure. I will find out the results areound 2:00.
    
    If they are positive, then I'm gonna need everyone's advice on how
    to break it to my husband as he is not ready for the news! He will
    be pretty upset at first. Oh well, we'll see what happens.
    
    

    
    Yes, I got the backache.  I had it before I realised I was
    pregnant and couldn't understand what it was, as I never
    had it before.  Also I was breathless.  I was beginning to
    think I was really ill, when I discovered I was in fact
    pregnant.
    
    So everyones symptoms are different!
    
    All the best,
    Sarah

I am the basenoter, just in a different account.
    
    At this point, I think I might have had (or am having) an early
    misscarriage (2 weeks). My period started yesterday evening as
    spotting, and today it is quite heavy and I am quite crampy. This
    is unusual for me. (see my other note...can't remember the # but
    was just entered today). The other feeling I had was a sort of a
    stitch in my right side in the ovary area. My back still hrts a
    bit now but not as much.
    
    This has not been a good month or 2 for me because we are relocating
    and I am home alone with the kids doing everything for this move
    just about. I could see where I could misscarry because of the extra
    stress and activity I have been having.
    
    Thanks everyone. Once again, I don't know what I'm gonna do without
    Parenting to turn to when I leave!
    
    Dot

    re 48
    
    I took a home test in the evening and it appeared negative..but
    the sympotms persited.  two days later I took one again,this
    time in the morning and the test showed very very positive -
    I am due beginning of march :-))).
    
    In short the best test results from a home pregancy test kit are
    in the morning using the first urine sample after at least six
    hours whne the H something or other hormone is the most concentrated.
    
    Fay
    
    

	The hormone is HCG (stands for somehting bizarre like Human Chorionic
Gondotropin).

Tracey

    Yup, except I think "Gondotropin" is Gonadotropin.
    
    Leslie

	Well, damn!  And here I was sure that if ANY of the words that I had 
there were right, it would be that one.  But I looked it up and right you are!  
Gonadotropin (or Gonadotrophin) is the correct spelling.

Tracey

    
    Worry/stress can make you're period late. I had a miscarriage the
    end of April and was told to wait 3 cycles. Well when my 3rd period
    was due it didn't come on it's due date. I didn't want to be pregnant
    cause I wanted to wait like they told me to. I worried and I was
    5 days late!!!! I am also very regular and I was never so glad to
    see my period. I'm am now just about to start my 4th period and
    I'm hoping I'm pregnant. It's due tomorrow and as yet I don't have
    a clue. Hopefully if it's going to come it won't be 5 days late
    as that will drive me crazy!!!!
    
    Keeping my fingers crossed, Patty

    Just a quick note, Bleeding in early pregnancy, along with some
    cramping is an expected symptom.  I figure that by now you know if you
    *are* or Arn't, but if it isn't too late have a blood test anyway.  I
    spotted within my first 31 days on my first (the stillbirth) due to a 
    hormone deficiency.  The doctor did asure me that early bleeding is common, 
    and cramping occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the 
    uterine wall.
    
    

    My breasts got very sore and swollen 2 days after conception (I know
    when I'm ovulating because I get pain).  I also started having twingy
    type pains in my groin muscles around 4 days after conception.  Then, I
    kept feeling the cramps I usually get with my period, except I knew I
    wasn't due for another 8 days.  One day before I missed my period, I
    used FACT plus and it was positive.
    
    It is common to get slight staining/spotting around the time your first
    missed period is due.  This is from the cells embedding in your uterus. 
    (I got this from 2 different books, including "What to Expect When
    You're Expecting", which is great. )  I wouldn't necessarily say that
    bleeding is normal, although it can be.  I would check with the doctor.
    
    I did have that slight spotting for two days around the time I was due
    for my period.  I told my doctor (I knew I was pregnant because of the
    positive pregnancy tests) and he had me have 4 different bloodtests to
    make sure that my HCG level was increasing properly.  In the first few
    weeks of pregnancy, it should double every other day.  Also, once it
    reaches around 6000, they pretty much rule out ectopic pregnancy.  
    
    I am now in my 13th week.  The morning/afternoon/evening sickness came
    around 6 weeks.  Yes, it felt better to throw up, but I didn't always. 
    I had major food aversions.  Nothing tasted or smelled right, but
    thankfully around 11 weeks I started to feel better.
    
    My problem now is bad headaches.  Ugh.  I also have that vision
    disturbance and thought I was crazy.  Sometimes I see this little black
    floaters out of the corner of my eye, or I'll think I see something and
    then look again and it's not there.  I'm also getting extremely
    forgetful.
    
    By the way, I thoroughly recommend the book that I mentioned earlier. 
    It's great and really positive, and it talks about everything that I've
    seen in this note on a month by month basis.
    
    Nancy

    Hi all.  You noters have gone a long way to getting me through some
    hard times in the past, so I'm hoping you'll be here to cheer me to
    what I'm hoping will be a "normal" pregnancy!
    
    I just found out that I'm expecting #4!  My husband and I are elated
    and worried simultaneously!  This is the fifth time we've been
    expecting in the last four years, and of this number, we have produced
    one wonderful baby boy, Chase, who is now 2 years and four months old.
    
    The purpose of this note is to receive early pregnancy reassurance
    (maybe someone out there has experienced something vaguely similiar?). 
    Of the last four pregnancies, one ended in a miscarriage due to a
    blighted ovum, and two ended because they were tubal pregnancies (one
    tube was reattached successfully in a separate operation, and the other
    had to be removed last November because it ruptured).  I experienced
    bleeding with all three unsuccessful pregnancies.  I had periods with
    both tubal pregnancies, but took home-tests anyway when I got to the
    point where I "felt" pregnant!  Both of these tests (the tubal
    pregnancies) turned very bright shades of the expected color because I
    was more pregnant that I thought I should have been at the time.  This
    time, the test turned a nice soft shade of pink which made me feel like
    this time would be more normal.
    
    In keeping with the subject at hand, my symptoms are tiredness,
    dizziness (mild), bloatiness, very jumpy, and no bleeding (except for
    two tiny brown spots the day before my period was due).  I called the
    doctor on Monday and went in for a quantitative beta blood test which
    not only confirms pregnancy, but tells you exactly how far along you
    are.  According to my calculations, I should have been 2 1/2 weeks or
    so, and the test came back with 3 - so far so good.  My doctors plan is
    to repeat the blood test to make sure the HCG level continues to rise,
    and as soon as he thinks the technician will be able to see the sac in
    the womb, send me for a sonogram.  (One of my concerns is that last
    year I kept asking for a sonogram because I kept bleeding, and he
    assured me that I was in no immediate danger; it ruptured!)
    
    Keeping in mind that both my tubes closed by themselves years ago as a
    direct result of having an IUD, and that my history looks like this:
    
    o  1986  major surgery to repair/open blocked tubes
    o  1987  miscarriage due to blighted ovum
    o  1987  test reveals one tube is again blocked
    o  1987  tubal pregnancy - major surgery, sterile again
    o  1987  major surgery to repair blocked/damaged tubes again
    o  1987  November -- pregnant again!
    o  1988  July - baby boy
    o  1989  November - another tubal pregnancy - this one ruptures
    o  1990  August - test to look at remaining tube - it's open!
    o  1990  Now/November - pregnant, so far so good
    
    If anyone has experienced this kind of emotional roller-coaster ride,
    could you please share it with me?  I need any and all words of
    encouragement I can get.  We would love to give our little boy a
    laymate -- our older children (mine from a previous marriage) are 18
    and 16, and not around much.
    
    
    Thanks so much for listening and caring.  You people are how I got
    through the last couple of times without losing my mind...
    
    Dale

    Dale, 
    
    My sister-in-law has a history pretty similar to yours, and she
    was able to have two children, with a lot of help from the medical
    profession.
    
    She had Nicki without too much problem after her first treatment
    for opening her tubes.  The baby was very small and had to stay in
    the hospital for a couple of weeks to make sure she was healthy
    and gaining weight. Then came the surgeries and miscarriages of
    trying to conceive #2.  I remember how upset she was after the
    second tubal pregnancy ended.  She was crying so hard she cuold
    barely talk to Neil (her brother) on the phone, more than a week
    after it happened.  She had to have more surgery afterward, and
    they thought it had been unsuccessful.  
    
    They were about ready to consider in-vitro techniques when the
    doctors suggested  some kind of experimental technique with a
    balloon to open the tube, and within a couple of months she was
    pregnant with her second.   But then she went into preterm labor
    and had to spend most of the pregnancy in bed.  Joel was born a
    bit early, but with all the new medical techniques, etc. he pulled
    through just fine and is now a bright cheerful five-year-old.  
    
    So hang in there -- the odds are that everything's fine, and even
    if there are complications, modern medicine can work wonders.  
    
    --bonnie

    
    Dale,
    Although I haven't had any tubular pregnancies, I've been pregnant 3
    times in the past year--and am only now breathing a tentative sigh of
    relief with the baby that I am carrying now (I'm due in April).  I know
    how scary it can be--at every little ache and pain I'd wonder, "is this
    a miscarriage?  am I still pregnant?  is everything alright?"
    
    I can't really offer you any encouragement, except to say, "hang in
    there" and "be patient, because time will tell."  There's nothing you
    can do but to hang in there--and hopefully, you will have a little baby
    soon.
    
    I know and understand what you're going through.  I won't believe that
    everything's ok until I see my baby alive and breathing!
    
    Bonnie
    
    

    I'm adding to my original reply, 47.58:
    
    Because I was complaining about shoulder pain, lower back pain, etc.,
    my doctor decided it wouldn't hurt to run another blood test to check
    my HCG level, and also had me go for an ultrasound exam yesterday.
    
    Oh happy day!  The pregnancy is in my uterus!  It was a little too soon
    to see the beating heart, but the yolk sac was clearly visible inside
    the gestational sac.  I also got my HCG reading ... 13,570 which I'm
    told is much too high a reading to ever be a tubal pregnancy!
    
    I'm going for another sonogram no December 10th and should be able to
    see the baby's heart beating then...  (I even welcome this nausea if
    you can believe it!).  Thanks for the kind words of support!!!
    
    Keeping my fingers crossed...
    
    Dale

    re .61, has your doctor mentioned the possibility of a vaginal
    ultrasound?  I had one last year, my doctor said this type will enable
    you to see the heartbeat at 14 days of gestation (that's the 28 day of
    your cycle).  
    
    For me it was good and bad, first I always *hated* having a full
    bladder for the test, and this doesn't need it.  The other thing, for
    me was my doctor was able to determine quite early on that this
    pregnancy was not developing, and was eventually terminated because of
    the blighted ovum.  At least I didn't have 3 months of excitement
    thinking everything was all right, then have it shot down. I knew from
    almost the beginning that I had a problem and there would be no baby.
    
    Just my .02 worth
    Lyn
    

    I have a question.....I think I may be pregnant.  I plan on taking a 
    home pregnancy test.  If I test positive, do I make an appointment with    
    my regular family doctor to verify the results or do I make an 
    appointment with an obstetrician?  I do not have a gyn/obs yet.
    
    Holly

    RE: .63
    
    A family doctor should certainly be able to perform a pregnancy
    test (blood test) and provide you with basic pre-natal care
    information.   If you have a family doctor that you know and
    trust, you might choose this route and get ob/gyn recommendations
    from him/her as well.
    
    Good luck,
    Carol

    If you have a family doctor you trust, and a normal pregnancy, he
    might well be able to take you through your pregnancy.  My first
    child was delivered by my family doctor (who also delivered me 20
    years before), and it was psychologically the most comfortable
    pregnancy of the three.  I was confident that I was being cared
    for by a person who knew all of my problems and history. 
    Sometimes with the OB, even though he's very good, I feel like I'm
    just a productive womb on legs -- not that he looks down on me,
    but that he's only interested in that aspect of me and doesn't
    know or care about the impact on the rest of my life. 
    
    --bonnie

    I'm entering this note on behalf of someone who wishes to remain
    anonymous at this time:
    
*******************************************************************************
    
Home Pregancy testing


I know that the usual riders on the testing kits that are widely available is
"works on the day that your period is due".

In the context of a very irregular cycle (18 to 80 odd days) when do you
use them ??  Is the Hormone that they measure sufficently high approx. 14
days after conception regardless ??

Please could you share your views !

re .66:

Don't the kits have an 800 number you can call and ask?

    I would say 2 weeks after conception.  Also, the newer tests are getting
    even MORE sensitive ... a lot of them you don't need to wait for first
    morning urine (when the hormones are most heavily concentrated).  If in
    doubt, and you don't want to waste the test kit, I'd get one of the
    VERY sensitive kits (any urine of the day), wait till 15 days after
    conception, and use first morning urine.
    
    ALSO, I wouldn't toss out everything after the 20 minutes, or however
    long you have to wait.  When I thought I was pregnant with Jason, we
    had to wait 20 mins for a ring to appear for a positive result.  After
    20 mins nothing happened, my husband went to bed and I went downstairs
    to work on some stuff.  I had left the test there cuz I was kind of
    bummed out that the test was negative (Gawd, I sure FELT pregnant!). 
    Well, a couple hours later I came up and there was the most beautiful
    dark ring you've ever seen!!  (Of course at 1:00 a.m. hubby REALLY
    didn't care about a ring!)  I don't know how long it took to turn, but
    it was certainly longer than 35 mins.(it was supposed to be 20)
    
    re .67 ... and yes, all the tests I've ever used have an 800 number.

    If you've got reason to think you might be pregnant, you could
    also ask your doctor to schedule you for a blood test.  Those are
    more accurate and more sensitive than any of the urine tests, and
    they work within a few days of conception.  Even a woman with a
    regular cycle doesn't have to wait until her period was due before
    she can get the test.  (I found out about David two days before my
    period.)
    
    --bonnie

    I've also got an irregular cycle.  I did one of the at-home tests with
    morning urine exactly one week after conception and received a positive
    reading.
    
    Your mileage may vary.
    
    Donna
    

    I am an avid reader of this conference but this is my first entry.  I
    have been trying to get pregnant for about 15 months with no luck.  In
    November, during the first test of infertility (an endo-biopsy) it was
    discovered that my Cervic was closed.  I had an operation and started
    the process of getting pregnant all over again.  Well, about a week
    after my 14th day I am getting symptoms that I have never felt before.
    As mentioned in .9 and .12 I am getting adominal cramps, cramps in my
    lower groan and lower back pain.  I am also going to the bathroom alot.
    In fact, for the last week, for the first time in my life, I wake up in
    the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.  I am super curious to
    know if I am pregnant ASAP because I am on daily doses of steroids and
    other drugs to control my asthma.  My question is, Has anyone out there
    tried the home pregnancy tests about 1 week BEFORE their period?  Do
    you think they will work?  Also, do you think I could possibly be
    pregnant?  How soon will a blood test verify pregnancy?  I heard five
    days after conception.....
    
    Any info will be greatly appreciated!!!  My fingers are crossed!!
    
    carrie

    I don't mean to pick on you, .71, but you happen to be last one to
    enter a comment like this.
    
    First of all, the blood tests are quite accurate within a couple of
    days (maybe less?).  If it's been a week, I'd definitely have a blood
    test done.  Which brings me to my next comment...
    
    It just amazes me how many people come to this file, in particular, for
    answers when they should have asked their doctor.  .71 says she's on
    medication, she could be a week pregnent, and instead of calling the
    doctor who put her on this medication and/or her ob/gyn, she's asking
    extremely general questions in a notesfile!  I would have been in touch
    with my asthma doctor long before I tried getting pregnant (assuming I
    was trying) and asked him what this may do to a fetus.  The doctor
    probably could have told her when to get a blood test, too.
    
    There are so many notes like this.  It's one thing looking for opinions
    to see if you're off-track with your ideas.  But, to rely on notes for
    things that clearly need to be answered by the medical people who are
    treating you is ludicrous.  Another example is the note whichs asks 
    what could be the causes of a poor PCT.  Didn't you ask your doctor
    when you had it done?  Doesn't anyone discuss anything with the people
    treating them anymore?  I realize that the medical profession is far
    from infallible.  But, really...how do *we* know some of these things?
    
    Some of you are treading on thin ice if you look to strangers for
    answers, especially if you already have a certain medical history.  If
    there are those who are seriously concerned about a situation, particularly
    concerning infertility, don't waste time here until you get some clear
    options from your physicisn.  Take it from one who knows what it means
    to be on a biological clock!
    
    -d

    
    Less than a week after I though I had ovulated I was experiencing
    nausea, a bloated stomach, a ton of gas, and a lot of bathroom time.
    I knew I was pregnant so I went ahead and tried the at-home pregnancy
    test a week before my period was due.  I got a very positive indication
    from the test (a bright blue line)!

    re: .71

    	Try a home pregnancy test, what have you got to lose? I had been
    told by my previous gyn, that I would have to go through a series of
    hormone treatments in order to get pregnant. With this in mind, I had
    no idea the flu I thought I had (not being able to keep any food down,
    tired, etc.) was not the flu at all.

    The key factor that made me try an at home test, was the sore breasts.
    That was the clincher for me. I now have a three month old son that I
    love and enjoy more every day.

    I MUST agree with .72 and advise you to see your doctors!! It's amazing
    how much a fetus is effected by the least little thing you do,
    especially in the earlier stages of pregnancy. The lord should have
    created an internal alarm to alert women as soon as they conceive.

    Best of luck!!
    
    re: .72

    I have to agree with you. I can't believe how many people _do_ enter
    this file before calling the doctor. It's one thing, if they are
    looking for similar experiences, after consulting the doctor, but to
    ask such critical questions in this notes file is beyond me!!
    
    Norma

    re: .73 and .74....Thanks for your response.  I'm going to pick up a
    test kit tonight on the way home.  My fingers are crossed.
    
    Re: .74  As far as consulting with my doctor, I have no concern about
    the medications that I am on.  Those fears where all put to rest BEFORE I
    tried to get pregnant.  The reason I want to know is so that I
    can contact my asthma doctor to be monitored.   
    
    Re:.72 and .74:  Please do not be so quick to assume that people are not in
    contact with their doctors.  Alot of people are but still put feelers out 
    to see if anyone out there can relate, console, comfort, etc.  The way
    questions/notes are phrased can be misleading (they may not say, "I
    have talked to my doctor") but before assuming anything I think it is only 
    fair to get the facts.
    
    
    

Re .72

While the points you tried to make are very valid, if I were the author of .71,
by the tone in which you've written your reply, I'd be quite offended.  It
is very normal for people to ask questions of others like this ... the medical
notesfile is similar.  The practice there is to offer advice, if and only if
the advice is NOT providing a diagnosis and NOT prescribing because to do
either or both you must be a licensed Doctor.  Moreover, there are very few
doctors who are prepared to make diagnoses "over the phone" anyway (which this 
is similar to). Just about all advice in medical notes comes with the qualifier
"Please see your Doctor".

People's first hand experience is sometimes easier to understand than that of
a doctor, so they do ask questions in places like this.  Sometimes Doctor's
appointments are hard to get and curiosity cannot wait.  So, if I were to
reply I'd try to be much kinder, and to say what you wanted without being so
provocative.

So, to .71, please understand that we could make all kinds of comments here
and we can talk in general and specific terms about the questions you've
asked, but everyone is different, so for your own safety, and the safety
of a possible child, you should really talk to your doctor.

Stuart

    re: .71
    
    I've read that steroidal drugs can interfere with the results of
    most urine-based tests.  Perhaps you'd be better off with the
    blood test.
    
    And a moderator request -- can we please tone the discussion down
    a bit?  Remember that many people in this file are under a lot of
    stress when they come here for help or when they give replies, and
    they don't always have the time or the emotional distance to write
    crystal-clear notes.  Try to assume they're doing the best they
    can under the circumstances, and if you think they could do
    something better, suggest it gently.  Ask gently to verify your
    assumptions before you criticise what they're doing.
    
    --bonnie

    
    I'm kind of surprised how many of you got positive results so soon
    after conception.  I knew within the first few days that I was pregnant
    and did at-home pregnancy tests for the next 3 weeks (different brands
    each time) and got negative results.  I was beginning to wonder what
    strange disease I was afflicted with...  Well, I got tired of wasting
    my money and waited until I missed my period and then I finally got a
    positive result.  Just to make sure it wasn't a mistake, I went to the
    dr's to get a confirmation.  So, I'm now in my 27th week and counting.
    
    Audrey
    
    

    Did anybody out there use the Fact Plus?  I got a positive right away
    (they say this is normal) and then only the top part of the + stayed.  
    It was kind of light, the instructions say any sign of a + is poitive.
    I called the 800 number and the nurse said that if you could see it
    from 2 feet away it was positve.  Well I could see it from 2 feet away
    but my husband could not.

    Anyone who had the dry patches of skin could you describe?  like how
    far along you were, and where they were, and what they were like?

    I have been feeling realy tired, very dizzy , not dizzy spells, dizzy
    all the time.  Quezy in my stomach.  I've had a few bloody noses.  and
    these dry patches of skin, real itchy and probably no bigger than a
    quarter the biggest one.

    I've made a doctors appointment but he can't see me untill tomarrow
    afternoon, and i'm impatient because i have been taking bith control
    pills and would like to stop if I should.  I have also taken cold pills
    from time to time.
                                                   Thanks for any info,
						                     Mary

    re .79
    
    I took the fact plus 2 months ago and it came out with the + symbol
    right away but mine was pretty prominent.  Did you take the test first
    thing in the morning, as the test recommended?  I did.  
    
    I'd take another test with the concerns you have on the birth control
    and cold medicines - use ClearBlue Easy.  I've heard that's quite
    reliable.    Or have a blood test.
    
    

    First thing I'd do is stop the pills.  Then order the blood test.  If
    the suspicion is that strong,  I wouldn't wait for the official word
    and jeopardize anything.
    
    -d

    I took a urine test at the doctors and it was negitive.  But I stoped
    the pills anyway I think they are starting to have a wierd affect on
    me, or it is too early to tell both my other children had a negitive
    test first.
                                                                Mary

    
    I am only 5 weeks or so into my pregnancy, so I'm looking in this note 
    for what "else" to expect!  I had the test done on "the" day I was due
    (just last week) and it was positive. I had gone to the doctors for
    this cramping in my stomach (we had been trying for 6 months) and
    he did the test right there and then. Although I did have a "slight"
    feeling that I might "be" this time (after months of hoping)....I had
    gone home sick one day feeling like I was coming down with the Flu,
    breasts were tender (but they always get tender during my period), and 
    i had fallen alseep early on the couch a few times the previous week.
    Also my lower back bothered me a bit.
    
    Even though I suspected it, I still didn't beleive the doctor when he
    told me!  He had to get the nurse to show me the littel plastic thing!
    
    But so far so good....just slight bits of nausea here and there...only
    lasting 10 mins or so, but my breasts are KILLING me. I cringe
    everytime my husband comes near me (sorry honey!). I have been hitting
    the bathroom a bit more...and I've felt like I have had my period for 2
    weeks now (cramps and bloating)....   
    
    I know a few of you mentioned a "rash", but where??  I seem to be
    getting one on my breasts, which on top of being sore, are now itchy..
    Is that normal? 
    
    I went to the OB yesterday about the cramping, and he said it can be
    normal, but I have to go for an ultrasound next week to make SURE its
    not a Ectopic Prenancy. (Fingers are crossed!)
    
    Heres hoping all goes well!  I still can't beleive it!
    Going to be a long hot summer!
    
    Chris
    
    

    Well, I can finally reply to my original note!!!
    
    It took us almost a year, but I'm PREGNANT.  Just got the confirmation
    yesterday.
    
    My early symptoms....  NONE.  I read dozens of books, and they said
    a women in tune with her body will know.  Believe me, I was in tune, 
    but I had no symptoms.  My boobs hurt, but it was the same feeling I
    get just before my period.  On the day my period was due, I had cramps,
    and thought for sure mother nature was comimg, but it never showed up.
    The next day, no cramps, so I started to wonder.  When Monday finally
    came around, and I still had no aches or pains, I was real curious.
    On Tuesday morning I took a home pregnancy test, and it was positive.
    
    So, I wasn't and still am not tired, queasy, bloated, dizzy, etc....
    
    I even had it confirmed by a blood test because I thought for sure I'd
    feel something.
    
    You just never know......
    
    Sue
    

    I've looked in the other file entries and have not found these symptoms
    -- veiny boobs (sorry, I'm graphic), feet that are ready to explode out
    of my shoes and strange lower abdomen pains -- like major indigestion.
    
    I did FACT yesterday (one day late) and I got a faint, but
    distinguishable +.  Did Clearblue Easy this morning and stupidly peed
    all over the window (I'm not doing well in the morning!) I finally got
    a faint blue line (after over an hour of nothing in either box!)
    
    So...can it really be?  When should I really know?  Are these other
    symptoms usual too?  Help please, I'm naturally going nuts!
    

    I did the Clearblue Easy test and I too peed all over the window, but
    got a positive result.  My son will be 15 months old on the 27th. :-)
    I think the best thing to do is have the doctor do a test.
    
    Lori B.

Sounds like you are awfully worried about this.  The *best* thing you can do
is to go see your DOCTOR.  Swollen feet imply water retention which could
be for a million reasons and even in pregnancy require medical awareness.

So, before you worry much more call your Doctor's office!

    Try that Clearblue Easy again.  This time, if you can manage,
    collect the pee in a jar and cover it; then you can test later
    in the day when you're more coherent.  just be sure to keep the
    jar out of direct sunlight, heat, etc.  Good luck.  

    I tried "Answer Now" on the first missed day, and got kind of iffy
    results. the suggestion on the box was to try again 4 days later. I
    tried Clearblue a few years ago (false alarm) and found it was less
    reliable and much more fussy (pee here, mix here, rinse no more than
    10 seconds etc). The Answer Now kit so much more reliable because the 
    instructions were simple (hard to botch up), and results very obvious.
    Of course by 4 days later, I already started feeling some of the 
    symptoms I recognized from the first pregnancy; throat congestion,
    gagging on the tooth brush...etc.
    And of course the test was marvelously positive.
    
    Hang in there, make an appointment with the doctor, and in 4 days
    get a really simple test. 
    
    Good luck.
    
    Monica
    

    I used the FACT PLUS, twice. When I got a positive result, I convinced
    myself that I had messed up the test somehow. Low and behold, the
    second result was positive too. At that point I called my doctor's
    office and they recommended that I go for a blood test. The positive
    results were know to me only two hours after they drew blood.

    Daniel just turned a year old and I can't imagine life with out him!!

    Good luck,
    Norma

This note is being entered for a member of our community who wishes to 
remain anonymous.

       Carol duBois, PARENTING co-moderator


********************************************************************************	
	I'm on the pill and I'm afraid I'm pregnant.  Has anyone out there
	had this happen?  I'm not very sexually active, but did have an 
	encounter last cycle.  Last cycle I also forgot a pill one night, but
	took it the next day.  I had a 'period' when I was suppose to last 
	month, but it was lighter than usual. This past week my chest is 
	very sore which is never is.  I'm suppose to have my period next 
	week.  I couldn't wait that long to see if I have a period this month
	so I did 2 pregnancy tests yesterday and they were both negative though.
	I would have been or am? 1 month pregnant so I feel the HCG would have
	been detected. 

	So, do you suppose if I get my period and the sore chest goes away
	that I'm not?  Also, does being on the pill affect the home pregnancy
	test results?  I have been under a tremendous amount of stress lately
	and a major surgery this past cycle.  Do you suppose hospital drugs
	could have done this?  What if I don't take the remaining three pills
	and see if I get my period?

	

    My feeling on this is to remain optimistic that you may NOT be
    pregnant.  The reasoning I using here is that several years ago I too
    had major emergency surgery on my back, this was during a time when we
    were trying to conceive.  My cycles ranged from 14 days to 8 or more
    weeks following the surgery, and related severe back spasms.  In a
    nutshell my GYN said that conception would be next to impossible, due
    to the surgery, anesthesia, the pain following the surgery etc.  He
    basicly said that when the body has been traumatized by a surgical
    proceedure, bodily systems tend to shut down, and one of the first
    systems to shut down in any kind of stress is ovulation.
    
    Without trying to start a controversy here, if a man were
    asked to "perform" sexually under stress he probably couldn't, so the
    same would be true for a woman, except the function of her female
    organs isn't external and not as obvious. 
    
    I'd say your body is still recovering from surgery, the strange period
    you had might have been all your body could muster under the stress.
    
    However, just in case my thoughts are way off base, I'd say take care
    of your body as if it were pregnant until you know otherwise.  Most at
    home pregnancy tests give best results if done a few days after your
    period was due.  As for the pills, call the doctor who prescribed them
    and ask his/her advise of whether or not to continue.  A quantitative
    HCG test might be the best way of telling first if you really are
    pregnant, and second if the pregnancy, by hormone level is viable.
    
    This may all sound very clinical, please understand I have been in this
    situation too, when we were first together and just wern't ready to
    start a family, it nearly drove me crazy until my cycle started.  I do
    sympathize with you.
    
    Lyn

    Since you did have a period even though it was small, I would go under
    the assumption that you aren't. If you worry about it now, you may
    cause your next period to be delayed and that will only worry you
    more. Try to relax, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to talk to your
    doctor about the question of pills effecting the test.
    
    Good luck,
    
    Sheila 
    

    There seems to be a lot of different things going on in your
    body; the stress, the surgery, the artificial hormone; it would
    not be surprising that there are some unusual things going on. While
    the home pregnancy tests are quite reliable, sometimes they fail to
    tell the real story. I am not suggesting that you might be pregnant,
    I am suggesting that your body is probably a little confused with all
    this going on. Breast soreness can occur a for a number of reasons,
    even skipping periods doesn't necessarily mean pregnancy. 
    By the way, skipping one pill then taking it the next morning is a very
    minimal risk. My doctor said that if you completely miss 3 or more,
    then you're in a higher risk; just stop and take them next month.
    
    I would go with Lyn's suggestion; be good to your body for the next
    little while, again, not necessarily because you are at risk of being
    pregnant, but because your body is physically stressed, and things
    are probably out of whack. And of course, see the doc for the very
    best advice. 
    
    Monica
    
    Let us know how you're doing!
    

    responding to .91 - I wouldn't worry, IMHO you are probably not
    pregnant.  I am assuming you have been on the pill for more than a
    month?  If so, I used to forget a pill or two a month and take it the
    next morning.  My OBGYN had told me that if you've been on the pill for
    a long period of time and you take your pill the morning after, there
    is no threat of becoming pregnant.  I used to have periods in which my
    breasts would become sore, or I would swell and then the next month
    they wouldn't.  Also, remember if you "looking for" symptoms - you'll
    probably find them.  Relax and wait a week and see what happens.
    
    Kathy
      

    
    
    	RE: .91
    
    	I have to agree with .95  Since I had been on the pill for
    	quite some time before getting pregnant with my daughter
    	(and I was off for two weeks when I conceived her), I'd
    	miss a day here and there - sometimes more but never got
    	pregnant.  I attributed it to the fact that my system was
    	just used to them being taken and it'd take awhile to
    	"wash out" so to speak.
    
    	Worrying about whether or not you're pregnant is only going
    	to delay your cycle coming on.  Believe me...I've been
    	through it.  Panic attacks thinking "What am I going to do?!"
    	when it was just my own imagination, for lack of a better
    	word, acting up on me.
    
    	Try not to fret and wait to see whether your period comes
    	when it's due.  I would imagine, as Lyn said, that the
    	surgery will also play a role in all of this...
    
    	/Kim

    Re: .91
    
      I was on the pill for 5 years and during the 5th year started missing
      periods for no reason.  The doctor said this can happen after you
      have been on the pill for a while.  I also had very light periods.
      I decided to stop since I missed 2 or 3 times over the 5th year.
    
      I believe I was told (in 1980) that you could miss one pill and not
      have any problems but if you miss two in a row you should use some
      other sort of birth control.  
    
      I know the stress of not knowing is awful, and you probably are
      thinking about it day and night.  Your negative home test results
      are reinforcing though that you probably aren't pregnant.  You can 
      always do another test in a few days.
    
      I go with the others that you are probably not pregnant but why not
      treat your body nicely for a month just to be safe.
    
      Sending good thoughts!
    
      Karin  

    Regarding sore breasts:
    
    That was the reason I had to stop taking the pill a few years ago. They
    got sore as if I were pregnant, but just kept getting worse.  Once I
    stopped they were fine.  I think you've just had to much going on for
    your body to handle.  Talk to your Dr., relax, and pamper yourself for
    a while.
    
    W-

    I'm not sure where to post this, so I'll try here first.
    
    Back in June, I had a miscarriage at 13 weeks.  We found out that I had
    lost the baby through ultrasound and it was estimated I had lost it
    around weeks 8 and 9.  With the last pregnancy, I saw the baby's heart
    beat at 7.5 weeks so I thought everything was fine, although I did have
    some spotting between weeks 6 and 7.  
    
    Now, I am pregnant again, and I'm nervous that something may happen
    again.  I didn't have any symptoms with the last pregnancy, and I don't
    have any with this one to speak of.  I'm 7 weeks, and all I have are
    tender breasts (and that's only if you touch them the wrong way), and
    maybe some tiredness, but nothing too great.  My question is has anyone
    out there every had the same experience?  Did you have successful
    pregnancy without any real symptoms in the beginning?
    
    Thanks,
    Sue

    Sue,
    
    I'm now 21 weeks along and never really had any symptoms either.  I had
    the sore breasts and some tiredness, but never the naseau or the
    repulsion to any foods that you would generally associate with the
    first trimester.  I heard the "you'll really be sick with a good
    pregnancy" line, too.  But so far everything is going just great and
    it's all been very uneventful so far 8^)
    
    My best friend is also 21 weeks and didn't find out she was pregnant
    until she was 10 weeks!  She has extremely irregular periods and wasn't
    sure whether she was or not, especially since she had some spotting,
    too.  Her only symptoms to make her suspect anything were sore breasts
    and tiredness.  She laughs to think she missed most of her first
    trimester.  So far, she's doing great, too.
    
    Keep in touch with your doctor, he knows your history and will be able
    to monitor your progress, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
    
    I wouldn't worry about not being sick.  Best of luck to you!
    
    Susan
    
    

    
    
    	Sue,
    
    	I'm at (er, um, I think it's) 29 weeks, and I never had any
    symptoms to speak of.  My breasts were sore, but not more than they
    usually were when I was expecting my period.  I was tired, but had done
    a lot of travelling and figured I was tired from that.  I may have had
    waves of naseau, but nothing constant, and I NEVER got sick, or even
    close.  I was nervous, too, since everyone kept saying that the better
    the pregnancy, the more hormones, and the sicker you would be!  But
    again, everything so far has progressed fine!  Perhaps we're just
    lucky!
    
    Good luck with your pregnancy,
    
    Justine
           

    Hi Sue,
    
      I didn't have any symptoms in my first trimester other than tender
    breasts and tiredness.  I think being tired was worse, though.
    
      I had only told my boss when I found out that I was pregnant because
    I was expecting to be sick in the mornings for a little while.  I
    didn't want her to think I was being lazy at work or anything.
    And after being prepared, what happened?  Nothing.  I would go home and
    fall asleep on the couch at about 7:30, but no sickness in the morning
    or any other symptoms throughout the day.
    
      I'm now 26 weeks, and if the baby isn't moving, I still don't feel
    pregnant, just bigger than usual.  I had an ultrasound at 21 weeks, and
    everything is fine.
    
      With my first child, I was sick as a dog.  Each one is different.  
    
      Susan

    Thanks for all your replies.  I do feel better that I'm not the only
    without nausea.  I have a Dr.'s appt. tomorrow, so I'll ask him more
    questions again.
    
    Every morning my husband asks me how I'm feeling, and I say gooood, but
    we both wish I was sick as a dog so we'd know this one was different.  
    
    I've heard, the sicker the better too., but the books I've been reading
    say that only 1/2 of the pregnant women have nausea or morning sickness.
    
    Thanks,
    Sue

    Sue,
    A good friend of mine miscarried her first, like you did. Her doctor
    explained (as did the miscarriage books that she read) that the
    likelihood of back-to-back miscarriages is slim. From you description
    of when the miscarriage might have occurred, it was during
    implantation.... the how-to-help-avoid miscarriage books suggest taking
    it very easy weeks 6-9, and keep you feet elevated as much as possible
    during that time.  Ask your doctor about this, and what else you can do
    to encourage a successful implant.
    
    best of luck,
    

    
    Lynn,
    
    I thought that it implanted 10 days after ovulation?  
    
    This time I have been taking it 'real' easy.  I haven't worked out
    in weeks and weeks - but I'm feeling it!!
    
    thanks,
    Sue

	Sue,

	I miscarried in May.  During that pregnancy, I had tender breasts
	before my first period was even due.  My first two pregnancy
	tests came up negative, most likely due to a low hormone count.

	I got pregnant again in August.  I was sure I was not pregnant,
	as I had no symptoms whatsoever.  Pregnancy test was positive
	at 4 days late!  I did not get tender breasts until around week 8,
	making it hard to believe I really was pregnant.  I too was 
	almost wishing to be sick so I'd *know* I was pregnant.  About
	week 7, I started getting morning/all-day sickness, which continued
	until the start of week 15.

	Your doctor should be able to help put any doubts you have to
	rest.  My doctor offered to do an ultrasound earlier than his
	usual 17.5 weeks if I was concerned, but I'd already had a few
	"fun" mornings and had no doubt this pregnancy was ok.

	Karen

    Sue,
    
    I can't put your mind at easy about a 2nd pregnancy after a miscarrage
    because I never had one.  But with my first pregnancy I had no idea
    I was pregnant.  No symptons at all.  I am now 12 weeks pregnant with
    twins and I didn't think I was pregnant either because I had no
    symptons.  
    
    I have a girl friend who miscarried, got pregnant and carried full term
    and when she was ready to try for #2 the same thing happened.  She also
    didn't have signs of being pregnant.  
    
    Good Luck!
    
    Cheryl
    

I can't remember a single sympton of pregnancy in the beginning.  I also had
a miscarriage but between my two boys.  I never had any morning sickness in
either full term pregnancy nor in the one which miscarried at about 13 weeks.
I also do not remember sore breasts.  The doctor said that the miscarriage was
due to low hormone level.  My third pregnancy was followed VERY closely.  I
had the test in the doctor's office almost as soon as I had confirmed my
pregnancy with a home test and then had a whole series of blood and urine
tests.  They took several seringes of blood and urine samples for 24 hours to
confirm that the hormones were ok this time around.

To me, my pregnancies felt wonderful, no sickness, less than 20 lbs weight gain,
minor bloated feeling and tiredness near the end, absolutely peaches and
cream complexion (that horrible acne went away).  Now getting them out.. _that_
was a different thing ;*)

Cheryl

    
    I miscarried at 6 months with my first pregnancy and I was sick as all
    get out the first 3 months. With my next two pregnancies I wasn't sick
    at all and had two very healthy babies. As has been said each one
    differs so don't worry. 
    
    Trudy

    I had my Dr.'s appt. this morning, and all is well.  We heard the
    heartbeat.  The Dr. said if you go by old wives tales, it'll be a girl
    because it was around 170 beats.  So, I guess you really don't have
    to have any 'real' symptoms.  I never had even an ounce of sickness,
    but I'm only 10 weeks today - so there's still time.
    
    Hope the rest of my pregnancy goes this well.  This is wonderful.
    
    Sue

	So happy to hear everything is ok, Sue!

	Isn't the heartbeat a most wonderful sound, especially 
	after a miscarriage ?  I started laughing when I first heard
	it, and you could hear it (the laughter) through the monitor!

	Karen

    I know how you feel.  I miscarried with my first pregnancy at 9 weeks.
    Did not feel sick or anything.  My second, no sickness or anything and
    I was very nervous until my 15th week or so.  I have a wonderful 17
    month old and hope to add a sister or brother sometime this year or
    early next.  I know you are feeling unsure but as the doctor told me,
    these things happen and sometimes you have to accept that you do not
    always know why.  Sometimes doctors can tell I think cause with the
    first the doctor told me not to get too excited since it was my first
    and that over 10% of first pregnancies end up with miscarriages.  I did
    not listen, told everyone and whamo.  The second time I told no one. 
    By 10 weeks he said, go ahead.  He said this was a "good one". 
    However, he did not say how he knew.
    
    Good luck.  Enjoy.
    

    Well, I'm starting to feel better.  We heard the heartbeat at 10 and 12
    weeks, and the Dr. said there is a near 0 chance of anything happening
    now.  Guess I'm just so surprised that I'm not sick at all, and not evn
    that tired.  Some nights I fall asleep by 8, but I've been feeling
    great through this all.
    
    Re: 47.112 - Were you sick at all with the second one?  
    
    Sue