question about beta numbers

tomandcourt

So a friend of mine got pregnant accidentally and she's worried about the pregnancy since they weren't planning it. She got beta numbers back at 4w5d (81) and 5 weeks (158). Are these good? I know they're supposed to double, which they did, but they seem low and I figured the nesties might know. 

mssaint

Those are fine -- at this point in pregnancy, numbers are expected to double every 36-72 hours, so she's well within that range.

SoonToBeMrsDTS

From what I understand what matters most is the doubling, not the actual numbers so yes, they look good! 

northernvabride

Agree with pps, it isn't the actual level, but the doubling.  Mine were always on the higher end (betabase.info has ranges and averages) and everyone thought twins each time (I'm a twin myself), but only 1 baby in there each of the 3 times.  She also could have ovulated later than she thought too.  Is she having another blood draw in a few days to check for doubling again?  Congrats to your friend, even though accidental, it is still such a blessing. 

tomandcourt

Wow, what great news! She was worried because when the nurse called with the results she said "Are you having cramps or bleeding? Call us if you do" ... Seemed unpromising. I'll let her know and put her mind at ease.  

alliapistor

Did they check her progesterone levels?  If it is low, they can give her supplements to help.  I would definitely suggest getting it checked in addition to beta levels.

A lot of OBs don't generally do beta levels unless there is a specific problem or history of loss.  So maybe the nurse said that just because those are the types of situations where she is usually dealing with betas?

NowDNAtoo

I hate to be the downer in all the responses, but there still is a chance.  I had somewhat lower beta numbers with my last pg when I got my bfp at the end of Sept.  The numbers all doubled well and I went in for an initial u/s and measured a week off and had a lower h/b.  Went back a week later and the baby's hb had stopped sometime right after we saw it, so the beta numbers didn't do anything to show us what would ultimately happen.  BTW my progesterone levels were okay too.

 If she's concerned I would have her ask for a third beta and/or early u/s to confirm viability.