Levels rising but not doubling

Lindsey1128 · April 2017

Hey everyone! I had a miscarriage last February and found out recently that I'm pregnant again. At first, my levels were too high, but then they didn't double. They doubled in 4 1/2 days, so I went in for a sonogram, where we saw a fetus with a definite heartbeat of 117 bpm. It wasn't just a flicker- you couldn't miss it, and the sonogram tech was so excited. My doctor thinks maybe I have a chance to keep this one because not all pregnancies are text book. Has anyone ever experienced a pregnancy where levels didn't double right away, but went on to have a healthy baby? I'm just hoping for some positivity. I go back in 1 week and a half to check progress. I'm 6w4d.

byrneme · April 2017

Hi and congrats on your BFP! I don't have great advice on this particular situation other than to trust your docs and having seen the heartbeat you've crossed a huge hurdle. At what point did you stop doubling? I know when it gets super high it doesn't necessarily double. You can look up hcg charts but the most important thing to remember is to trust your doctors! Congratulations again and best wishes for a happy and healthy 9 months.

silvergreen · April 2017

Hi @Lindsey1128

I just wanted to share this from the Huggies site, that helped reassure me when I found out I was pregnant. Hopefully it helps:

When hCG levels in early pregnancy measures less than 1,200 mIU/ml, the hCG usually doubles every 2-3 days. There is normally an increase by at least 60% in the level of hCG every two days.
When the hCG measures between 1,200 and 6,000 mIU/ml in early pregnancy, the hCG usually takes 3-4 days to double.
When the hCG measures more than 6,000 mIU/ml, the hCG frequently takes more than four or even more days to double.
After 9-10 weeks of pregnancy hCG levels normally decrease. This is why there can be a general improvement in a mother’s sense of well being by this stage of her pregnancy.
It makes little sense to follow the hCG level in early pregnancy above 6,000 mIU/ml, as at this point the increase is normally slower and not related to how well the pregnancy is doing. After two to three months the hCG numbers in early pregnancy will slow even further and eventually hCG levels even decline before reaching a plateau for the duration of the pregnancy.

Lindsey1128 · April 2017

Thanks so much!!! I'm really hoping my little bean hangs on in there!! Thanks so much for the information and chart! I trust my doctor completely, just not a fan of my own over-thinking abilities!

byrneme · April 2017

PGAL brain is sucky- you are definitely not alone. Anyone on this board can relate. That's what we are here for

Lindsey1128 · April 2017

I sure appreciate the optimism and support! I really don't have anyone to talk to about such things, so this board and you guys are great!!

peregrinefalconx · April 2017

I thought the numbers didn't matter once you had a HB. But I don't know enough about it. I would focus on the HB stuff before the numbers. Congrats!

Lindsey1128 · April 2017

Thanks so much everyone! I went to the ER on Sunday with bleeding and cramps, but all labs came back perfect. I saw my baby again on sonogram, and it's heartbeat was 139 beats per minute, which is up from last Wednesday, when it was 117 beats per minute. I am so relieved! I go back may 1st to check for progress.

byrneme · April 2017

Scary but I'm glad everything worked out and you got a little bit of reassurance. May 1st will be here before you know it!

Lindsey1128 · May 2017

Had another ultrasound today. My doctor said if he was just looking at levels and my chart, he would think I already had a miscarriage. I have the lowest levels he has ever seen in his career. That being said, the baby is measuring 2 days ahead at 8 weeks, strong heartbeat of 174 bpm, and is perfect! He and the other OB doctors are flabbergasted! Miscarriage is still a risk, but I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed that our little bean hangs on in there!!

HGRich · May 2017

@Lindsey1128 wow! Well measuring ahead and a perfect hb for 8 weeks sounds awesome! Praying your bean stays strong, and continues to be proof that hcg isn't everything!

byrneme · May 2017

Wow! That's incredible- I'll continue to think of you. Please keep us posted!

Lindsey1128 · May 2017

Thank you so much! I go back on May 30th for another ultrasound and appointment, so I really hope all is well! I feel like this 4 weeks will drag on. I'm not announcing until after this next appointment, when I'll be 12 weeks.

Lindsey1128 · May 2017

I went to the ER yesterday for bleeding. Did an ultrasound and my baby doesn't have a heartbeat anymore. Thank you all for the support and good thoughts during my journey. I appreciate you all so much!