Low HCG at 4 weeks?

a2003tiger

My RE drew a beta yesterday. According to my dates and chart, I would have been 3w6d. The level was 15. But a few hours prior to having my blood drawn, I turned three pregnancy tests positive (a clear blue digital, a first response digital, and a regular first response). I don't understand this. Wouldn't my HCG have to be at least 20-25 to turn those tests positive? Anyone with positive stories for a low starting level?

BornReady

I don't have any experience with this, but if you lurk on the PAIF board you will see a few women currently going through this. At least one woman started in the low 20's and has had them double and had at least one good ultrasound. Good luck to you!

a2003tiger

Thank you, I'll go check it out. 

Bok Bagok

I don't have personal experience with that, but I've read plenty of stories of women who had low or HCG levels that didn't double and went into have healthy pregnancies. You could always ask to have a second draw to see if it doubles. 

a2003tiger

I'm having a second draw tomorrow morning. And she already told me to expect a third on Saturday. 

ceclarlinetlo

That was me! The day of my beta test I turned a clear blue digital and my beta came back at 19! I'm 26w1d now - fx you get the same outcome! It could be that baby implanted late.

a2003tiger

@ceclarlinetlo, thanks for the positive story!  I hadn't a temperature dip a week ago, so I don't think I ovulated or implanted late, which worries me. I guess only time will tell. 

andrea0418

Clearblue digital detect hcg as low as 10. 

1inthehopper

My first draw at 3w4d was only 18.6. They more than doubled on the next two draws so so far all is well! I was worried too though- even the nurse said well that's really low but they have to start somewhere, right?! 

lilp2015

With my now 15 week old daughter I had low numbers (started at 22) and didn't double correctly. She's perfectly healthy! My ob says not everyone is text book. Best wishes!

a2003tiger

THanks for the uplifting "been there, done that" stories. I'm feeling positive. Only time will tell, but I'm confident things are going to be fine. Thanks ladies!

a2003tiger

37!!! I went from 15 to 37 in about 42 hours! The nurse is still so cautious, saying it's still on the low side. But I feel like I couldn't have asked for better. This baby is growing like textbook. I go back for another level on Saturday morning, but I'm just done worrying at this point. 

MWoodside

Good update! Thinking if you.

schnitz9

Great to hear! As longs as they are at least doubling that awesome!!!

HGRich

Awesome! You more than doubled! I'm sure the nurse has to be cautious, too. She can't go and give you hope if it's not her place. But the numbers seem to be speaking for themselves. Pulling for you! 

a2003tiger

Up to 112 after another 48 hours, which is close to triple the last draw! Nurse I see till Christmas cautious. I don't care...grow, baby, grow!

DungeonTrollMel

@a2003tiger thanks for asking this. We have almost identical numbers right now and I'm in a frenzy after 3 losses. Friday I was 15. Today I'm 38.5. 

My RE was cautious since he likes to see over 50 at dpIUI 14, but all of you ladies are giving me hope right now 

a2003tiger

@DungeonTrollMel, when do you go back for another draw? My RE's office just called and gave me the option of coming coming in for another tomorrow, for peace of mind. I declined. I'm feeling good about things,  I'll just wait until my ultrasound in a few weeks. 

Please feel free to message me sage me if you wan want! It would be nice to have a buddy in the same boat. 

DungeonTrollMel

@a2003tiger I go back on Tuesday for a third beta. I don't know where he got the "50" as his expected number since people implant on different days. 

I actually sat and calculated out betas based on my 35 hour doubling time and they all fall well within expected range going forward so hoping they hold steady 

yolandamunoz

Oh dear @DungeonTrollMel I totally understand you worrying. I hope you are feeling better today.

I haven't had my HCG tested this pregnancy, but I looked into my old tests, and found that the ranges are really huge! Specially when in early pregnancy.

Then I found this article, that explains this situation:
https://www.conceivingconcepts.com/learning/articles/hcg_ranges.html

"Don't get too crazy about HCG numbers. It is extremely difficult at any given time to define what is considered normal or average, especially early on when the 'normal' range is enormous...."

"Look most closely at the progression: during the huge majority of early pregnancies (80-90%), the level will double every couple of days, or 72 hours. As your pregnancy progresses, levels rise and that doubling time increases."
>>>>> This doubling numbers, you have that!

"The following presents some average expected HCG levels based on time after conception:

• First week: 0-50 mIU/ml    <<< you should be here, that looks right!!
• 1-2 weeks: 40-300 mIU/ml
• 3-4 weeks: 500-6,000 mIU/ml"

I hope this is helpful!
hugs!
_Y

DungeonTrollMel

@yolandamunoz you are an absolute sweetheart thank you so much. I actually should be in the 40-300 range since my last draw was dpo14 which is 2 weeks past ovulation I was just shy of that but again, the other numbers all mention 17-117 so my 38.5 is within there. 


Only time time will tell 

yolandamunoz

Yes! only time, but this gives us some good nice hope!!! Hugs to you @DungeonTrollMel  !!!