QuestionI have been off birth control pills for 4 months now. My husband and I are not technically "trying," but we're not trying to prevent pregnancy, either. I have been extremely regular since getting off the pills (almost down to the hour) and now I'm 2 days late. I have taken 2 tests--one tonight--and they were both negative. I feel no symptoms other than slightly tender breasts and "icky-feeling" stomach. Could I be pregnant or should I stop hoping and just wait for my period to come?
AnswerDear Leigh,
The biggest "error" women make in testing for pregnancy with HPTs is testing too early. Most HPTs claim accuracy at the 1st day of a missed period, but that really assumes alot - most of all that conception would have taken place pretty much right at the 14th day of a cycle and so hCG levels would have doubled enough for the HPT to pick it up that soon.
So - a few suggestions I usually make are to wait until the period is completely missed, not just a day or two late. Also, when taking the HPT, it's important to use 1st morning urine (upon waking). That gives you the most concentrated sample and the most accurate results. If you absolutely can't use 1st morning, then it should be urine that has been in the bladder at least 4 hours. But the more diluted the sample, the less accurate the results will be, so it's important not to drink a lot before testing if taking during the day.
The symptoms you describe certainly fit the symptoms of early pregnancy. I'd suggest you give it a week and test again.
I hope I've helped you and I'll have a good thought for you! :-)
Brenda
