We live in a society where we are surrounded by technology. We are able to do things that people never imagined. We can e-mail a long lost friend that is delivered to them instantly, video call a family member via the computer anywhere in the world thanks to Skype, and connect with a friend instantly via text on a cell phone. Its amazing to see the changes over the last 5,10,15 years. We are experiencing and seeing so much more then even our own parents ever did at our age.
Something else we now have access to? We can find out 5 days sooner if we are pregnant or not. Its amazing that we don’t have to wait a whole cycle to find out our exciting news. Or is it?
I was always a believer in the 5 days sooner test. I always thought it was great that we could test sooner then ever before. Admit it, its a long wait from cycle to cycle so if we can cut the wait at all, I am all for it. I have invested a lot of money in to them as well, hoping over the years that I would have some good news to share with my family.
My first experience with the 5 days sooner test was when I was pregnant with my son Carter. I was so excited to find out if we were pregnant or not and decided to test 4 days before my expected period. It came back negative. I was disappointed, but hopeful that we would some day start a family. That was until my period was a week late. I took another test and it came back positive. I was pregnant!
I was a bit shocked that the the first test came back negative. It added a bit of stress that had I waited to test, would never had been there. According to packaging Clearblue states that the following is true based on clinical testing >> 4 days sooner= 56%, 3 days sooner= 88%, 2 days sooner= 97% and 1 day sooner= 98%. I was aware of the statistics but was hoping they would be in my favor.
My experience with these ’5 days sooner tests’ have been mostly negative. I have fallen in to the category of not being accurate on numerous occasions. I have had the false negative, I have had a false positive, and I have experienced a miscarriage that had I not tested early might never have been known. I understand that the statistics are printed for a reason, but I was hoping they would be on my side when I was testing and I am really surprised how often they have been wrong for me.
Don’t get me wrong, I think its great that we have this technology today. It can help women in different situations. I just caution women to not rely on them 100%. Everyone should be aware of the statistics and understand that they could be inaccurate. I also encourage women to just enjoy the process and avoid the stress that can often come with trying to conceive.
Not long ago, women waited until they missed their period, and then went to their Doctor to confirm the pregnancy. They didn’t know any better, because there were no other options. They were either pregnant or not with no second guessing, testing multiple times, or early testing. At times I have wished it was still this way.
I feel like over the last few years I have dealt with a lot of sadness, disappointment and stress that I didn’t need to go through. We want the results as soon as possible, but is it worth the heart break that could happen. Is having these tests available helpful or a hindrance?
Have you had similar experiences with testing? How did you feel? What do you think of testing sooner? For those who had babies before at home pregnancy tests were available, what stresses did you encounter?
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