postpartum pregnancy = Irish twins
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postpartum pregnancy = Irish twins
| Wed, 07-27-2005 - 1:40am |
My husband and I are the proud parents of our first son -- who was born on June 13, 2005. Shortly thereafter my husband and I became sexually active . Nonetheless, I am not breastfeeding -- and no longer bleeding. We have not been using contraceptive -- and I am curious as to how soon I can do a home pregnancy test. Is it possible that the test will come back positive only because I still have "remnants" of pregnancy hormones? My doctor just prescribed me the patch -- but I am hesitant about putting it on, because I could be pregnant....

Hi ivymochamomma, welcome!
Consumer Report tested HPTs http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/01/27/earlyshow/health/main538075.shtml and found that:
"One kit, the First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test, emerged as the most reliable and sensitive test. It detected hCG at concentrations as low as 6.5 mIU/ml (thousandths of an International Unit per milliliter)"
As far as false positives are concerned:
Human chorionic gonadotropin pregnancy test http://www.chclibrary.org/micromed/00051620.html says: "In most cases, a positive result is an indication of pregnancy. However, false positive results may also occur. If a pregnancy test is performed within a month or two of a recent birth or miscarriage, it is possible to test positive for pregnancy since hCG may still be detected in a woman's urine."
And another location http://forums.obgyn.net/pregnancy-birth/P-B.0106/1638.html said that at 7.5 weeks post partum a positive result should be from a new pregnancy.
It seems to me that at 6 weeks pp you are still close to the interval where hCG from your earlier pregnancy might be detectible. I think if I were you, I'd test and if you get a positive contact your doctor for advice. I hope you get the result you want. Let us know how you're doing, ok?
Good luck,
Jill