first REAL pregnancy - need advice on HPT's

[ALT76]

I've had 4 chemical pregnancies.  Each time my level would be around a 10, and I'd start bleeding within a day or two.  I had ovarian drilling done in July to correct my PCOS, and this is our last effort before I have a hysterectomy, because I have many other issues as well.  So when my beta came back a 46 at 14 dpo last Thursday, needless to say, it was a VERY BIG deal!!!  

Obviously, based on my history I am nervous.  I have been testing 2x a day!  It is really nerve racking because I'm gushing CM and on progesterone suppositories, so I always feel like I'm bleeding, and I have been having mild cramps almost constantly for the past couple of days.  The cramps are always unsettling, even though I know without bleeding they are normal.  So far no blood at all, just mild to medium cramps a lot of the time.

I have a follow up beta tomorrow, and I am SOOOO nervous!  My question is, I've been taking FRER's all along.  I got to see an nice progression from 10dpo - 14 dpo when I got my beta.  It was exciting watching the line get darker.  However, since 14 dpo (I'm now at 17dpo), the line has not gotten much darker at all.  Just a HAIR at first, but has remained the same ever since.  It is still dark - I mean, it's ALMOST, so close to being as dark as the control line, but nonetheless it has me worried that my levels aren't rising.

The other thing is I did 2 EPT brand tests - because I thought they were less sensitive but I keep finding conflicting info - some site say they detect a 25, others say 40, and one place that had very specific lab results of all their test findings said they didn't get anything consistent until it was over 100.  Whatever the case, they are positive but fainter than I would like to see, and between the two days I swear the second got a tiny bit lighter.

Oh, I should add that I always pee into a cup first to make sure my pee is concentrated enough.  I usually do a first morning and then hold it at some point at night and check again.  

Let me know what you think!

[therese101]

Hey, the color of the line doesnt make a difference at all, i wouldnt be concerned. Congratulations on your pregnancy, good luck with your beta tomorrow. I had cramping also i put it down to a combination of being on the progesterone and my uterus stretching. I must have tested 2-3 times a day until i was nine weeks, i spent a fortune on hpts!

[Victoria01]

I really don't think the color of the line makes a difference. I have always had faint lines and my HCG levels were all normal and the baby is just fine. As tarajanes said, as long as you're not bleeding, I would try not to worry about the color of the lines. :)

[tarajanes]

Firstly you dont need to pee in cup when testing.will still be concentrated enough when on stick.try not to worry to much,your not bleeding,what your experiencing cramping etc is normal.as long as no bleeding.ive suffered multi losses so totally with you.you will find yourself analizing the tests.but at this point you are pregnant.your hcg is where to be expected at this stage.im sure there rising,your still in early days.sure in  few days they would be higher,but tomorrow will tell,relax and try to enjoy.Congrats.