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1st Trimester
autumnbride07
member
Those with slow rising (not doubling) hcg please help!
autumnbride07
member
Hi ladies,
I had a number of blood levels drawn early in my pregnancy. Around 4 weeks my levels almost doubled, then around 6 weeks my levels were very low (8,000) and obviously hadn't doubled normally between 4 and 6 weeks. The doctor thought a miscarriage was possible, but I saw the little baby and heartbeat at 6w6days at 124 bpm and again today at 8weeks 6 days at 170-180 bpm. I also had low progesterone levels so I've been on progesterone suppositories for a few weeks and will continue until 11 weeks. I was taken aback today at my appointment when my doctor suggested I do the NT scan due to my low hcg levels. She said there can be a correlation between low levels and genetic defects. She also said I could just be one of 1/3 of women whose numbers don't double properly and have a perfectly normal pregnancy. What are your thoughts on this? Anyone in a similar situation?
TIA (and sorry so wordy)
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Re: Those with slow rising (not doubling) hcg please help!
I had low levels, both hcg and p4. However, by the time my RE released me at 8 weeks, he said I fell into the normal range based on size and hb. He said that sometimes you just get a slow starter, it doesn't necessarily mean anything.
I will be having an NT scan because that's what I'm comfortable with. I've never been told anything at all about being at higher risk for problems because of my numbers.
It sounds to me like either your Dr is a bit of an alarmist, or maybe uses scare tactics to get people to do the scans. Followup ultrasound and heartrate are a much better indicator of fetal health then initial hcg levels.
Personally, I think it's best to do the scans, but I think you need to do whatever is best for you and your family. Do what makes you most comfortable.
Good luck.
LO#1 - 19 cycles, 3 IUIs, 1 m/c, gonal-f, ganirelix, ovidrel, progesterone
Totally worth the wait!
Getting ready for #2
Back on Met, PCOS diet, prepping for treatments 1/12
Good luck to the wonderful ladies of 3T
Always cheering on my girls Gymnst1013 & MrsJohns
My Chart / Info for Newbies
My numbers didn't double around 6 weeks 3 days and 6 weeks 6 days. They went from 10,000 to around 14,000. They confirmed me with a miscarriage due to a uterus full of blood on the first day of the draw. Two days later with the results from the 2nd draw they sent me for a more high tech ultrasound and sure enough I was still pregnant. I miscarried my DD's twin. It is definitely possible not to double! Numbers that rise and definitely a good sign.
HTH
I think I heard that numbers stop doubling after a certain period. Also they say doubling occurs between 48-72 hours, not always the 2 day rule. With DD, my numbers weren't climbing "correctly" and they got all worried...and my siggy shows she came out OK.
Try not to worry yet. Those numbers don't always mean everything. GL!!
When I was having cramping/bleeding around 5 weeks my numbers were improving significantly, but not doubling. The Dr. said this was OK but wanted an u/s. Had one, saw the flicker and all looked good. Knock on wood, have been fine ever since that 2 week stint of bleeding/cramping...just brown off and on here and there.
But, what I wanted to say about the progesterone was, my gf has had 3 miscarriages. Finally after 3 awful and grueling instances with that they tested her progresterone and is also on the suck on cough drop/type things. They were only going to keep her on until 13 or so weeks and decided it's not hurting her, so to keep her on it the entire pregnancy but she did cut down from one in the am/pm to just one in the pm. So, I know your Dr. knows their stuff but if it doesn't hurt you, may possibly want to stay on them all of pregnancy.
Good luck!!!