Less than a month after our wedding, a Sunday morning, I found out I was pregnant. Although it wasn’t specifically planned, my husband (I’ll call him G) and I were eager to start a family, and had kept “busy” on our honeymoon. I took this first pregnancy test quite early; understandably, the line was faint. So faint that G didn’t even believe it. “You can barely see it, I don’t think it means anything”, he said. But I told him, with all the faith in the world, “A line is a line, we’re pregnant!” and proceeded to take a picture of said test and text it out to two trusted cohorts for verification. “A line is a line, you’re pregnant!!” was the enthusiastic consensus, and several more pregnancy tests that day (of different brands of course), also showing faint lines, began our walk on Cloud 9.
Prior to this, as I’ve heard is fairly typical, my concern was that I wouldn’t be able to get pregnant at all. I feared an onslaught of bleak one-lined tests and the words “NOT PREGNANT” confronting me month after month. This two-lined test, faint as it was, redeemed me. Never again would I have to worry about that, why, we had gotten pregnant on our first try, barely even trying! I was thrilled, my husband was ecstatic, and a series of OBGYN appointments confirming doubling HCG levels (the pregnancy hormone) only made us more confident. I bought G the book “Dude, You’re Gonna Be a Dad!”, I read “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”, banned all the foods and drinks you’re supposed to ban, envisioned our nursery, thought up creative, adorable baby names for the boy I knew we would have, and shared the news with a couple close friends. I was going to do everything you’re “supposed” to do to a T and more- typical of my slightly neurotic personality.
Also typical of my slightly neurotic personality (G would contest the slightness of it), was the compulsion to take pregnancy tests daily to confirm to myself that I was “still” pregnant, that everything was going as it should. Watching that line appear and get darker every day gave me comfort that all was well in there. Until the day… that it didn’t get darker. And the following day, when it actually appeared lighter. And the next day, lighter still. People told me “Stop taking tests, you’re pregnant!” and that the darkness or lightness of the lines didn’t mean anything. But I knew. I knew in my heart that something was amiss and we wouldn’t know this baby. Armed with the knowledge of my last HCG number, and while G was at a golf tournament, I marched myself into the doctor’s office, told them my fears and demanded another HCG blood draw. They obliged and time seemed to slow as I waited for those results. Finally, a doctor I had not met with before came in by herself and by the awful, sympathetic look on her face, I knew my fears were founded. The number she told me my HCG measured at was far below what it had been last time, even lower than I had dared to contemplate. Typically, they’re supposed to keep doubling. All I could do was laugh. And cry. She confirmed that I was going through an early miscarriage (a “chemical pregnancy” they call it- too early for an ultrasound, pregnancy can only be monitored by your HCG levels; surprisingly common) and that I would need to keep getting blood drawn until the HCG returned to a “normal”, non-pregnancy level. A weekly reminder of what was lost, to add insult to injury.
I didn’t call anyone on the ride home, not even G. He had believed everything would be fine and that the doctor would reassure me. Secretly, I’d hoped for that too. I went straight home, sat in our walk-in closet in the dark, until G got home and found me there. I couldn’t say a word, but he knew. He was shocked, he’d felt so positive, and we were both heartbroken. Couldn’t believe this was happening, and less than a month after our wedding! How unfair! He sat down next to me in the closet for what seemed like an eternity, and we felt a sadness completely new to us. After we began talking, I naively vowed I would never try again, never wanted to risk feeling like that again. I think he felt that way in that moment too. And to the few people who did know we were pregnant, did know I was going to the doctor that day to “reassure” myself, I sent them a single text message that night, two words, the saddest words I’ve ever written: “No baby.”
I went through this very same thing and know the sadness you’ve described. I waited weeks and weeks to miscarry and eventually did a D&C. The good news is i was pregnant again within 2 months with a healthy baby boy. I am now a mom of 2 healthy children. Pleasw don’t lose hope.
Thank you Erica! I’m so glad you got your happy ending!:)
I love you, Prairie Dawnie xxoo – thanks for sharing this with us. Your courage is inspiring ♡
Thank you Amy:)
I’m so sorry for your loss. I went through a similar experience and it’s more difficult than people realize until they experience it. If you really want it, keep trying! With the incredible sadness of this experience also comes the incomparable joy when it happens and sticks. God bless!
Thank you for your kind words Kim! I am very happy to report that I actually gave birth to an amazing little girl just over a month ago!!!:)
So glad to hear that!
My first pregnancy was a chemical pregnancy. I went through exactly what you went through and I read this with sadness in my heart for you. Don’t give up! I am now the Momma to two wonderful little girls who own my heart.
Thank you Bri and I’m sorry for your first loss! I am so happy to tell you I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl in July:):)
Congratulations on your baby girl.
I had 3 back to back losses over a 4 year span on trying for a baby. Finally had a healthy baby girl December 21st 2018!
Hey Jessica, I’m in the exact same boat, had three consecutive losses – all chemical, at around the 5 weeks mark (except # 2, which was a MMC @ 12 weeks). Just tested today, and it’s positive, but obviously, I can’t even begin to get excited, as I just think to myself what makes this one different to the last three. Did you do anything specific during your successful pregnancy? Thanks in advance, and I totally understand if you’d rather not share. Best wishes, Elle
This has happened to me a few times now. It’s to the point I am afraid to have intercourse. It can be traumatizing after a while. I pray that you get your happy ending ❤️
This happened to me too on my 1st pregnancy. I was testing my urine every morning, the line got darker, and then one day, it got lighter. Every day after that, the line just got lighter and lighter. In my heart, I knew I was going to have a chemical pregnancy. I did 2 blood hcg level. The 1st level was 34. A few days afterward, the 2nd level was 8. Like you, I notified all the people I’ve told about my pregnancy that I’m miscarrying. Still hoping for my rainbow miracle. Thanks for sharing your story. I read one of your comments and i want to congratulate you on your baby girl. I just have to believe that miracles do happen 🙂