So I'm not sure how things are going at this point. I went to my regular doctor who confirmed the pregnancy, congratulated me, and said there was nothing to worry about. I continued to take tests, though, and was pleased to slowly watch them get darker. I'm 20dpo now and still cramping but my tests are much darker. I was finally starting to feel the tiniest bit hopeful.
Unfortunately, that changed when someone made an appointment for me with a midwife for this afternoon. I was a bit nervous, as I wasn't expecting to see them until I was further along... but I took a couple of tests about 2 hours before the appointment, and I was thrilled to see that the test and control line just about matched.
I knew this wasn't going to be a fun appointment s soon as the midwife walked in. She was not familiar (I'd delivered my youngest at that facility) and didn't look especially excited to see me. She asked me a couple questions and then started rambling about how she wished things were like they were 40 years ago. "Women couldn't test for pregnancy at home, and they weren't allowed to come in until they had missed at least TWO periods..." blah, blah, blah. I smiled and tried to politely listen to her rant, but my heart was sinking. She finally told me that my pregnancy test results were "very, very light". She said something like she "shouldn't have to squint to see line", or whatever. I told her that I'd been concerned about that in the beginning (especially since I was cramping), but my tests jab steadily been getting darker-- and I had even taken two tests right before coming, and the lines nearly matched! She didn't care. She said she wanted to get a blood test done to check HCG levels to see if it was even viable before she worried about finishing the first appointment. I guess I'd also had a bit of blood in my urine, which made her fairly confident that my period was on its way.
She also said that cramping can be normal, but since I'd mentioned pressure and fullness, she was concerned about an ectopic. She wanted to send me for an ultrasound right away but I was panicking. My DH had to go to work in a couple hours, and the only person who came to my appointment was my 13-year-old. I just wanted to have a good cry, and I needed to be home to do it.
I go back Wednesday to have another draw to see if the levels are doubling, but I feel so done already. It seems like the only question left is whether or not my fallopian tube is on its way to rupturing.
So that's that.