Why Do We Want to Know So Early?

Updated on June 23, 2010
M.R. asks from Churchville, NY
7 answers

I just have a question because I'm curious about other women's experiences and thoughts. My husband and I are trying to conceive our third (or third and fourth if twins are our lot in life) and every month I wrestle with the temptation of early pregnancy tests. I remember this same struggle with my earlier pregnancies. From the moment I know "I'm not pregnant this month," I have a general idea of when I might expect my next menstrual period. From that, I have a general idea of how early I might have a reasonbly accurate EPT result. I tested early with my first two children and they were positive before I was late. Last month I had the most insane pregnancy symptoms and was most cranky about the fact that I had all those symptoms and no reason for them. :) My cycles are irregular right now, so I have no idea when I'm really due but the temptation to just see is so strong.

So, what were your experiences? Is it the overpowering desire to simply know as soon as possible when waiting would answer the question? Is it that hope that, even if I'm not pregnant, I could convince myself it might have been a false negative for a few more days? For me it has nothing to do with prenatal care because I'm already fairly healthy and taking prenatal vitamins and all that. I think it is just that crazy desire to KNOW. I am just asking this because as I write it I am trying to convince myself to wait one more week and save myself the money. :)

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So What Happened?

Feel free to keep posting. Last month I think I wasted FIVE tests because of my nutty body (horribly aching breasts for two weeks, dizziness on and off, nausea, moodiness, etc.). I am going to try to wait at least a few more days trying to convince myself it won't be this month but I know I will cave and just HAVE TO FIND OUT! It also always takes a few weeks to get in to my doctor's office where they do their own urine test to confirm the pregnancy then you have to wait to get your first prenatal appointment. I hate waiting.

My 3 1/2 year old has been praying at bedtime to thank Jesus for his two sisters who are not made yet and praying at meals sometimes for two sisters. I made the mistake of telling him that it would be up to God to give us a boy or girl whenever He gives us another baby, and since he is so set on having two sisters, he has taken it upon himself to pray to get them. It is hilarious, but thankfully he backed off from wanting four of them. I would really rather that didn't happen! :)

Updated Update: My husband has told me not to be excited until I go to the doctor's (hopefully later this week) but there were very faint lines on two home tests this weekend. I did point out to him that only one hormone causes those lines. So now that we "know" we still have to wait to "know for sure." Would you believe there is a website called peeonastick.com for those of us who are crazed??? :)

More Answers

J.S.

answers from Chicago on

I always just had to know. But, I'm also the type of person that can read the end of a book or a spoiler for a movie - knowing the end or the plot twists and turns doesn't ruin it for me.

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C.W.

answers from Boston on

I don't know what it is but I am right there with you. I think I took three tests when I was trying for my first and two when I was trying for my second. Basically, as soon as I was one day 'late' I would want to take it. I think that you are just so excited for it to happen that while you wait you'll just get yourself more worked up. And why wait when you can know? Knowing that about myself I just bought the multi-packs to at least save some $$.

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I.M.

answers from New York on

M.,
I think it is because it is something very special to us. I know for myself I needed to find out to make sure I wouldn't do anything wrong to jeopardize the pregnancy. If you get a headache you would just pop two advils or motrin if you have back ache or muscle pain, and that would not be good for the baby! You also want to prepare yourself mentally and you start thinking of all the things that you need, things that you didn't have available with your other pregnancies but are available now! I think it is just a motherly instinct!
Blessings

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J.H.

answers from Dallas on

I agree with Julie. I can read the end of a book and still read the entire thing. I just want to know. I have had one bad experience with finding out so early. My cycles are only like 23 day s apart and I found out at 3 weeks I was pregnant and of course you have to wait until at least 8 weeks to go to the OB. Five weeks of wonderful pregnancy thoughts only to find out we had a blighted ovum. I keep telling myself I will wait the next time so I won't have to wait so long to visit the OB but I probably won't be able to take it and will test early. Good luck.

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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

I always wanted to know as soon as possible so I would KNOW and also because I love to drink wine with my husband every Friday night, and I go out with my girlfriends fairly often,so it was always helpful to know if I could drink or not!

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M.G.

answers from Chicago on

The first time we started trying to conceive, I would take an early pregnancy test for the first few months. After a few negative results, I started waiting until I was a day or two late. After several more negatives, I waited until I was a week or more late. Well, after a year of no luck, it was driving me crazy. I was prescribed Clomid, and I used an ovulation kit. I was so hoping I was pregnant that I took the test four days early, with a positive. Now that we're trying to conceive again, and only at the first month of trying, I'm going to save myself a LOT of money and only test if I'm a week or more late.

Good luck to you!

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J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

I worked at a facility where we had pregnancy tests. So I think for about a month straight a co-worker of mine made me take one just about every other day. Finially I told her enough, none of them are positive I am obviously not pregnant. A month later I was telling her I had spotting and cramps and she convinced me to take just one more. End up it was positive. I swear we went through more then a dozen, and even though I wasn't buying them with my money I got tired of taking them LOL. After that I went to the 99 cent store checked the expiration dates on them and took 4 more at home that night and the next day. If you want to save money I suggest you get some 99 cent store tests. =) Good luck on your adventure!

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