48 hours later, low hCG levels rise

fitleo

Hi everyone,

I tested with a very very faint positive at home on 29th of Feb. Upon doing it for the next 2 day it became a little bit darker but still not bold dark line.

So on 3rd of March I had a blood test and my hCG was 480.7 so I may be 3w4days since my last period started on the 8th of Feb. Today (48 hours later) and it is 3w6days I tested for both hCG and it was 488 and progesterone and it was 178. 

I am not sure how to interpret this very low rise after 48 hours... Shouldn't it have doubled? I missed my period that was due on the 3rd and I had my implantation bleeding with a one time wipe of pink discharge. Sorry for being TMI

Please, any of you who might have an input, let me know what you make out of it. I'd be very thankful


Best,

tripledaggerWed95976

What did your doctor say when he gave you the results?  Doctors generally don't just give results and not explain what they mean

goldie987

Did you doctor say anything about it?  My doctor told me if levels were increasing as expected or not instead of just giving me a number.  

fitleo

Hi ladies and thanks for answering!

She said it's normal. But under the circumstances in the country it was a quick chat over the phone. But I have an appointment on Thursday, and I can't be relaxed. She told me on the initial appointment we have to check every 48 hours to ensure it's increasing, but not by how much until an U/S is done to see if anything is budding

7.3 points in 48 hours is something that bothers me and I don't know what to do, although she said it's ok. 

mrszoess

call your doctor. HCG is supposed to double in 48 hours. 

br0co1ii

I'm wondering if she mis-spoke when she told you the numbers. I'd call back and double check the information you got. 

comealongponds

If those are the numbers, they would be of significant concern I'm afraid, that doubling time would be 96 days and as you know, betas should double every 48-72 hours in early pregnancy. Please follow up with your MD asap to verify the numbers she gave you are correct and for further testing. Unfortunately, ultrasounds will typically not pick up anything until about the 5w mark. Good luck. 

Pompomlove

There are circumstances where PP may be incorrect so please remain calm, but talk to your doctor about getting another draw as soon as possible. 488 is quite high for 3w6d... Perhaps you've had a disappearing twin. I don't want to give you false hope but none of us know what's happening. 

Again, demand a further draw and clarification on the initial number (as PP said) as soon as possible. 

Fx

edit: just a spelling mistake and number accuracy change. 

goldie987

Pompomlove said:

There are circumstances where PP may be incorrect so please remain calm, but talk to your doctor about getting another draw as soon as possible. 488 is quite high for 3w6d... Perhaps you've had a disappearing twin. I don't want to give you false hope but none of us know what's happening. 

Again, demand a further draw and clarification on the initial number (as PP said) as soon as possible. 

Fx

edit: just a spelling mistake and number accuracy change. 

Glad I wasn't the only one who thought this.  I was just under 200 at 4w0d (determined by temping), but then again the ranges are so huge for what is considered "normal" that it very well could be normal, just the very high end of it.  In any case, OP, try not to stress too much, there's literally nothing that you can do at this point to push things in any direction.  The 4 day wait (blood drawn Thursday morning, lab was backed up so they couldnt get my my results the next day like they usually do, didn't get my result until Monday afternoon) for my second beta was absolutely dreadful.  Find something to occupy yourself in the meantime, it really does help. 

txjrog

I'm worried about beta numbers too. I had mine drawn at 13 dpo (confirmed by testing) after getting a very faint positive that morning and my numbers were only 24. The doctor said that's low but it's super early, he was optimistic but I'm having trouble being optimistic. I have another draw on Monday. It can't come soon enough

tripledaggerWed95976

I sort of feel like maybe you should talk to your doctor (or a nurse at your doctor's office) again.   As others have said, 488 is very high for 3w6d-  perhaps there was a miscommunication?  Even if that number is accurate, maybe telling your doc about your concern would be helpful... Also, I would specifically ask your doctor why he/she isn't concerned that the number hasn't doubled.
  If your doctor truly wasn't concerned with your numbers then I feel as though there has to be something that was miscommunicated

fitleo

Hi ladies
Thank you all for writing me and comforting me

I just got off the phone with my doc. I must say she is very communicative and available, she asserted I shouldn't stress and arm myself with patience. She did agree that the rise isn't as it's supposed to be, but pointed out that many factors at play (age, I'm 35.5 yrs old) (second pregnancy, first was terminated 5 yrs ago)

She also told me that another test will be drawn on Wednesday the 9th, but was hopeful that the progesterone is high

For some of you that noted that hcg is high for 3weeks 6 days (please let me know if I'm calculating right since my last period started Feb 8th), I know that, but again I was consoled that every woman is different. Do you guys think that calculations are off because I have a 23-24 day cycle??? On another note, my period didn't come and I'm 3 days late.

I am so sorry that I'm all over the place, but I truly feel that and just don't know what to do. I often catch myself having 1000 thoughts at the same time that I pause to recollect. 

Thank you so much

mrszoess

I've been through 2 failed pregnancies and am pregnant with my rainbow now. everything I know about hcg behavior is that it is supposed to double. an extremely slow rise is always cause for a doctor to do another blood test ASAP. not sure why your doctor is waiting until the 9th. 

i would look for a second opinion and get the results in writing from your first one. 

fitleo

mrszoess, I am so sorry to hear abut your previous experience, but am also so happy for your current one! Congratulations!

It's a public holiday here and I have to wait, also I have it all in writing now.

Thanks for  your input

fitleo

Dear ladies, 

I can't stop thinking about this and am collecting questions/ scenarios to run by my doc when I see her on the 10th or 9th after my 3rd hcg aND progesterone tests. 

I couldn't find info on levels of progesterone per week i registered 178 at 3wk6days. Any suggestions? Also, do any of you know whether the length of the cycle affect calculation of weeks?  I have 23-24 days and my first hcg was 480.7 on March 3rd at 3wk3days. Many of you said it was high. .. 

Finally has any of you seen or heard of such low rise in hcg (from 480.7 to 488) in 48 hours? As exceptions? 


What senario could explain that? I was thinking of straight away asking my doc about ectopic or chemical pregnancy,  maybe blighted ovum (my u/s before my test showed yellow body on the left ovary and a uterine fibrois 25.8 by 18.9 mm)

Where I am at the moment,  docs are very conservative about talking of negative scenarios while asking the mom to be to be patient until they can see something in the uterus in week 6.

Please advise me with what I need to ask without beating around the bushes. 

Thank you so so much

Best

megstervt

Cycle length can affect dating as women with longer or shorter cycles tend to ovulate sooner or later than the "average" CD14.  This is why some doctors do a dating and viability scan in the first tri.  There are online calculators that will give you dating, BUT it's based on ovulation date.  If you were not temping to confirm ovulation these really won't help you as putting in your LMP will calculate on the average ovulation of CD 14.

My doctor told me that they very rarely see a case of disappearing twin syndrome (I think a PP mentioned above) that could account for your HCG levels.  However, it's not common and really the only thing that will confirm this is more blood work.  I have no personal experience with this.

I know this is scary and frustrating, but at this point there is nothing that you can do but wait for more blood work.  That should give you and your doctor the missing info you need. 

Also, I would highly recommend reading Taking Charge Of Your Fertility.  It will explain so much about cycle length, ovulation, etc.  While obviously it's main focus is conception, I think it's powerful for all women to read so they truly understand their body and their cycle.

****Trigger Warning: previous loss

I had a chemical pregnancy last June.  I actually didn't know I was pregnant and went to my doctor because I started spotting mid-cycle.  This had never happened to be before and I thought I had a ruptured cyst.  I turned a test positive (which is how I found out I was pregnant), but due to the spotting was sent for blood work.  My initial tests showed no rise, but a 3rd set of blood work confirmed lowering levels and my loss.  I was an absolute basket case waiting the days between blood work and searched the internet frantically.  Just try to trust your body and trust your doctors.  They probably aren't saying much because they don't know yet and at this point there isn't anything to do, but wait.

Pompomlove

I have read that you ovulate about 12-14 days before you period is due so yes, if your cycle is shorter, youwpuld likely be ovulating earlier in your cycle.

How long do you have to wait for your 3rd Beta? You should know a lot more based on that result.

I'm sorry that I don't have a personal experience to share with you. I was the pp who mentioned disappearing twin... I guess I was more meaning a twin that unfortunately hasn't made it... There is a post titled "HCG levels?" Where the OP is currently experiencing this type of loss in my BMB - Nov 16 where OP. OP may be happy to discuss your situation with you???

fitleo

Hi there!

My 3rd test is actually tomorrow, and I cannot wait for that, eager and very scared too.

Thank you for your support and suggestions, I'll definitely check that post.

Best!

fitleo

Dear ladies, 

I'm out of my wits.

I tested for hcg on the 9th which is my 3rd test  and here is the results
Hcg 416 progesterone 94

My hcg went down from 488 on the 5th

Ultra sound shows a sac in the uterus but it's empty and the doc says it's small and may not showthe embryo yet to make any conclusion.  All I'm advised is to wait and to make hcg test on the 11th.

What do you guys think and have you come across experience similar to this and how they ended. 

Thank you

mrszoess

from everything I have learned on this several year journey if your hcg does not double in 48 hours it won't be a viable pregnancy. I would contact your doctor again and demand information. it seems as if they aren't being up front with you and that isn't right. 

WinchestertoPittsburgh

If your hcg has gone down and there is a sac but no embryo, it could be a blighted ovum. I had one last year and this is how it happened as well. I would also agree with PP and contact your doctor to get more of an official answer... At this point after all these tests, they should be able to give you something more than just adding additional tests in the future. I'm so sorry and I wish you the best.

fitleo

Thank you for replying ladies

You do not know how much I appreciate your responses. I am still hopeful.

I went to another doctor with all my results and she just reiterated what the first one said. It's too early to be able to see anything inside the sac as it is only 2.4 mm in size. (I have not gathered information on the normal level of the size at that stage yet, any sites??????)

Furthermore, I am blessed that there is no ectopic pregnancy and pray what's in the sac is viable (perhaps holding on to the ideo that there may have been a twin?)

The official note is there is pregnancy and to come back after 2 weeks for u/s while in two days for hcg check, Lowering hcg could mean (dying pregnancy) I am not sure what's that in english (it isn't chemical, since there is a sac). Off the record my doc told me she's seen cases of fluctuating hcg levels that resulted in successful pregnancies only because moms have history of hormonal imbalances which I am not sure I had.

Isn't there a possibility that my hcg normalized to reach the normal levels of a 4th week, since they were very high for the 3rd week levels I previously had (480.7 and 488 respectively)?

Thanks for any feedback  

tripledaggerWed95976

I'm so sorry you are going through this.  I'm not a medical professional so I can only give you knowledge from what I've learned through my own research.....
 While HCG never exactly doubles for anyone (some women see a slower rise whereas some have quicker rises), the fact that your HCG is actually going down is not a very good sign.  I'm very surprised that with such low HCG your doc was able to see a sac... Usually the sac isn't viewable until the HCG is above 2,000... So, there are a lot of confusing aspects to what is going on with your situation.
no matter what the case,  It doesn't sound like your doctor is being very forthcoming with you and I'm very sorry for that-  you deserve for him to be much more straightforward with you.     Unfortunately, everything is just speculation right now- my best advise is: definitely don't give up hope yet, but also do prepare yourself for what news may come.  Thoughts and prayers for u

MRSCORKER

In my experience, falling hcg levels has always meant a non-viable pregnancy. A chemical pregnancy is the term used to refer to an early miscarriage when the pregnancy could only be detected using chemical tests (urine/blood work). In early, viable pregnancies, hcg levels should double every 48-72 hours. From what I understand, hcg levels should not start to even out or decline until later in pregnancy (I've heard 2nd trimester but not positive). I'm so sorry you are stuck with this uncertainty and don't seem to be getting straight answers from your doctor. I hope you are the exception to the "rule" and go on to have a healthy pregnancy. 

fitleo

Thank you so much for your thoughts!

I actually have the images and saw it on the screen myself. The sac is 2.44 mm in width. The procedure in the country I am at the moment allows the patient to see the monitor and the technician was showing me and telling me everything as she pointed.

She doesn't give diagnosis, only description and according to her (strong sac and uniform contouring). Bear in mind, I'm 7 days late

I am beyond baffled and do understand that professionals have different approaches in different countries, but my feeling is that they emphasize keeping faith and not stressing for the next week or two. I was actually thinking of flying back to the US to followup, but it's over 13 hour flight and I'm afraid I'll stress more and hurt more than I could help. 

Also, I was told by my second doc that in case of any bleeding to call an ambulance immediately. 

I am just praying to God to give me the strength to stand strong in anything He puts me through.

Thank you so much

tinypikachu

I'm sorry you're not getting a clear answer yet, waiting is the worst. I had a similar situation happen to me but it unfortunately did not end well.

I got pregnant and spotted once at 4w4d. My HCG rose but didn't double and the sac measured 2.2mm on that day which my OB said was about 4w0d in size. I started spotting at 5w1d and didn't stop and had my third draw two days later and my HCG dropped a little. At 5w3d, the sac had doubled in size to 4.4mm but it was a confirmed miscarriage due to HCG drop. I continued to spot and lost the baby at 6w. HCG doesn't always double but it shouldn't drop.

I don't know how they do things in the country you're in but I believe an ambulance is highly unnecessary unless you're filling over a pad per hour, pass out (signs of a hemorrhage) or are doubled over in pain with cramps. You wouldn't even have to go to the ER unless this happens. If this is a miscarriage and you start to spot, you'll likely experience something like a heavy period but there is unfortunately absolutely nothing the hospital can do to stop it or prevent it. Keep in mind that it's very likely you'll experience contractions as well. 

I pray you get a miracle. 

fitleo

I am so sorry to hear that. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and for sharing your story. I really appreciate everyone's sharing their experience as it helps me cope with my situation and what might be thrown my way.

I did hold myself strong when I saw the results and my tears dropped on their own while a lump formed in my throat. Yes, I was in pain inside, but I knew that I have to have hope.

Only time will tell

Thank you for your support and hope you had (or will have) your own cute baby. Bless

fitleo

I am back again

It's never ending

I tested for my hcg levels today again and my results went up, it is 591.77 now

I am 5wks1day today and that's a rise from my previous results on the 9th; 418

To recap

2/8 LMP
3/3     480.7
3/5     488 progesterone 179
3/9     418 (gestational sac 2.44 mm, but couldn't see if anything's inside since it's small) progesterone 94
3/14   591.77

how can this be explained? Hcg lowering then rising again? But why is it not doubling then?? Why gestational sac at such low hcg levels? Are these normal levels of hcg for 5wks1day??

What's wrong with me? and is everything alright with my baby? is there even a baby??

Please ladies, if you have any explanations of what might be happening let me know, I am puzzled.

Thanks

megstervt

It's possible you have a blighted ovum.  I have never personally experienced this, but I've read on a couple threads here that it can take the body awhile I realize what's going on and that could account for the hcg levels.

comealongponds

Unfortunately, there's not much anyone can tell you. I had slow rising HGC levels which resulted in a loss, however you can find both good and bad stories if you look around...it's a horrible limbo you are stuck in, I'm so sorry. A vanishing twin can sometimes cause a dip and re-rise in HCG, as can a blighted ovum/missed miscarriage. I hope you get some answers soon.

tripledaggerWed95976

I'm so sorry you are going through this, I'm sure it is both frustrating and terrifying.  Unfortunately, in cases like these only time will tell what's going on.  I know it's so hard but try to hang in there, keep working closely with your doctor, and hopefully the next ultrasound will provide you with more clear results

penelope4612

I'm sorry that you're having a difficult time and have no answers yet.  Something (an embryo or a blighted ovum) has implanted somewhere and is making HCG.  Unfortunately, with the slow rising and fluctuating levels, this is probably not a viable pregnancy (although never say never).

I had an ectopic pregnancy that had HCG levels that rose slowly initially, then dropped a little, then suddenly shot up.  I think it was something like 150 -> 140 -> 400 -> 700.  However, if they saw a sac in your uterus, then you are probably not having an ectopic pregnancy.

KilgraveMadeMeDoIt

You can have an early twin loss, which could explain both the high initial hCG and the drop and continuing rise. I had hCG that was high to start with, plateaued, and then rose again and it was because I had lost a twin (the surviving twin was healthy and is now my 5 year old daughter.)

There are other possibilities, too, but I think at this point the only thing that's really going to clarify is an ultrasound. Do you have another one scheduled? 

fitleo

Hi,  

Yes, I did think of a vanishing twin syndrome, but how would I know. 

There is a sac but nothing in it

My next ultra sound is on the 24th of this month. 

Gonna have to wait it out. 


All your prayers

Thx

fitleo

Dear ladies, 

I thought i'd update you all. 

Luckily, I am in another neighboring country this weekand I made sure to book with an English speaking doc recommended by us embassy. After looking at all my results,  he wasn't optimistic,  but said he'd do his own investigation. 

Performed ultrasound and there was flickering! But it is so difficult to spot,  but he assured me it was counterindicative to the fluctuating hcg level results I brought in with me and said,  what I see "seems like a viable pregnancy"

Next he order blood test and the results were just emailed to me. Hcg is over 38k and progesterone is 17

I am to have a consultation session with him,  but thought I'd share for you. I'm 5 weeks 3 days now and my hcg was 591.  3 days ago.

What is going on?! Doc said that the US shows that all is normal and its impossible with those previous numbers I had abs blamed it on lab work

I'm so mad if that's true because of all the stress I've been through

On another hand,  isn't 38k a lot? I saw one flickering blob. ....


Thx

mrszoess

are you sure the previous doctor gave you the right information? from 591'to 38k in 3 days is a heck of a rise. 

tripledaggerWed95976

At this point I would (cautiously) go off of what you saw on the ultrasound, and maybe not go off of the HCG numbers, since they seem to be doing very strange things. 

br0co1ii

I'm going to second what @tripledaggerWed95976 said. I think your lab numbers were mis-interpreted or faulty. If there was flickering on the US, you don't need to worry about labs anymore. 

br0co1ii

I'm going to second what @tripledaggerWed95976 said. I think your lab numbers were mis-interpreted or faulty. If there was flickering on the US, you don't need to worry about labs anymore. 

fitleo

Yes,  that's what this doctor suggested.  Particularly,  that the lab results from the other country may be erroneous and basically he didn't trust them. 

All he wants to make sure and so do I is that the numbers are rising. 


I hope all is well

Thx

jellybiehn

I'm so glad that the ultrasound and new hcg levels look good. I don't know if you ever mentioned what country you were in, but I do know that different places have very different representations of lab values. Even Canada and the U.S. don't measure blood sugar with the same values.  Will you be able to be followed by this new doctor? I am so happy to hear you saw the flicker!