When to take HPT?

[Anonymous]

I am wondering, how soon after missing your period did you take a home pregnancy test? Mine was supposed to come yesterday, and though I have felt symptoms this week, it did not. I have a very regular cycle. Even after stopping birth control pills in November, my period arrived on schedule last month.

If I don't get it by Sunday, would that be an ok time to take the test? Or would that be too early and the results unreliable? Thanks in advance for any input.

p.s. I'd also like to say that I've really enjoyed reading this forum over the past few months. Lots of good information, and very supportive folks.

[Anonymous]

If you're period is already late, then you can take any HPT now and it should be accurate. There are some that would have allowed you to test 5 days ago.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PP, you can test already. However, if you do and it's negative, wait a few more days and retest. Good luck and hope you get the result you want.

[Anonymous]

I took a pregnancy test six days before my missed period and it showed that I was pregnant. Of course I took about three more for the next few days to make sure it was correct but I am now 24 weeks pregnant. I like the tests that tell you "pregnant" or "not pregnant" because then you are not confused or guessing about the lines and how faint or dark they are.
Good luck.

[Anonymous]

I can't get over someone who has the restraint to wait a week to take an HPT. That is some self-control ya got there, and I salute you.

Now go pee on a stick, pronto!

[Anonymous]

Buy the value pack, b/c even IF it is negative, try again in the morning....

[Anonymous]

Yes, please. Go now. We can't wait to hear!!!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you all for your comments! Looks like I'll be purchasing a test on my way home tonight! (Thanks for the advice on pregnant/not pregnant tests vs. line tests, as well as the multi-pack idea.) I giggled at the comment about self-control - I think it's more like I am in disbelief that this could actually be happening. VERY excited if this is the case, but it's just kind of surreal. Pregnancy is a very delicate matter, and I guess I was mentally prepared for many months of trying.

[Anonymous]

OP: Any news????

[Anonymous]

OP here: I took the test Friday night.....and it came back positive! Hubby and I are quite excited! This morning I called to schedule an appointment with my OB/GYN. They want to see women at 8 weeks, so I'll have my first appointment in February. I spent the weekend looking at various pregnancy calendars and trying to get more educated about the whole process. Very....very...exciting.

[Anonymous]

Yay, Congratulations!!!!

[Anonymous]

CONGRATULATIONS Be sure to start your prenatal vitamins now, even before your OB visit if you have not already. -- Call your OB, they will prescribe over the phone.

WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO !

[Anonymous]

Congratulations! Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy.

You don't need a prescription for prenatal vitamins, you can get them over the counter. Folic acid in particular is very important early on.

[Anonymous]

OP here: Thanks for all the well wishes. Based on a discussion with my doctor, I actually started taking the prenatal vitamins in late November, when I stopped taking birth control pills.

I now have a follow-up question regarding my first appointment. What should I expect? (I'll be 8 weeks from my LMP.) I have read posts about women getting sonograms at early stages, but I thought that normally happens much later? The reason I am asking is that I had planned to go the appointment by myself, but now I am wondering if hubby should come with me? I know he doesn't want to miss out on anything and of course I want him there for all the important stuff! But if the appointment is just going to consist of a physical exam, getting some blood work, and being asked about my medical history......??

[Anonymous]

I think it depends on your practice whether you get an internal sonogram at 8 weeks - I did at Georgetown. Who is your OB? Either way, I would recommend having hubby come to the first appointment with you if he can - at this stage you won't be going to the doctor all that often and it's nice to have him meet your OB, get comfortable with the office, and I think it makes the pregnancy more "real" - I feel like for some men it doesn't really hit home until they see the little one on the ultrasound or you start showing.