betas?

J&PJax · August 2011

Ok, someone fill me in about beta testing. Is this something that most of you get done regularly, or is it something that is done for those who are high risk? Do you ask for the testing, or does doctor order them? How often is normal? I had my first at DPO 14 when I requested a blood test to confirm BFP, but they didn't say anything to me about follow-up. I have my first appt next Friday, so I'm sure I can get the scoop on betas then, but I'm curious in the meantime. Oh, and my first one was 129. I guess that's ok, right? TIA!

imimahoney · August 2011

I can't speak for everyone else but I'm having beta's drawn because of a previous medical condition and some back pain I am having. They are drawing beta's to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. I've had 2 already and will have my third and final next Wednesday.The doctor wants to make sure my numbers are elevating at the appropriate rate.

From what I know, if you have no previous problems and no bad symptoms your beta's aren't really followed.

If I'm wrong, someone please feel free to correct me.

staccydev · August 2011

I have Kaiser and when I called to ask about it, they told me I did not need it as I was not considered high risk (first pregnancy and no known problems).

ashleym373 · August 2011

From what I understand betas are drawn for those who are considered either high risk or saw an RE to get help with getting pregnant.

J&PJax · August 2011

Ok, thanks for the info ladies. I was just curious why so many others were having this done regularly and I knew nothing about it. I would really like to know how my numbers are progressing. I'm old, maybe I can talk them into it!

ashleym373 · August 2011

J&PJax:
Ok, thanks for the info ladies. I was just curious why so many others were having this done regularly and I knew nothing about it. I would really like to know how my numbers are progressing. I'm old, maybe I can talk them into it!

I am curious to know what mine are too, but I think if I did know I would probably obsess over them. So it may be a good thing. Regardless my first appointment isn't until Sept 21st, so by then I would be 2 days shy of 8 weeks.

easjer05 · August 2011

Yep, people with medical conditions, people with poor obstetric history (like me), and people who required assistance in conceiving will all have betas. There is no reason for them if you don't fall into the categories. And while they can be reassuring when they are good, it is hell to wait for them, impossible not to obsess about them, and scary as hell when they are abnormal.

So, sort of like multiple u/s us high risk folks get; the extra reassurance is nice to have when it's good, but getting to the point you need it is bad and filled with heartache. And the wait between, the anxiety that attends each one is awful.

I don't wish it on anyone, despite how happy I may seem to be getting the results. I've been through bad betas and the results of that, and it's nightmarish. So I hope you have an uneventful pregnancy that doesn't require this sort of monitoring!

J&PJax · August 2011

easjer05:

Yep, people with medical conditions, people with poor obstetric history (like me), and people who required assistance in conceiving will all have betas. There is no reason for them if you don't fall into the categories. And while they can be reassuring when they are good, it is hell to wait for them, impossible not to obsess about them, and scary as hell when they are abnormal.

So, sort of like multiple u/s us high risk folks get; the extra reassurance is nice to have when it's good, but getting to the point you need it is bad and filled with heartache. And the wait between, the anxiety that attends each one is awful.

I don't wish it on anyone, despite how happy I may seem to be getting the results. I've been through bad betas and the results of that, and it's nightmarish. So I hope you have an uneventful pregnancy that doesn't require this sort of monitoring!

Got it, point taken (sincerely). I am in awe of what some of the women on these boards (especially you!) have been through. We didn't have difficulty conceiving and I have no previous obstetric history, so trying to remain grateful for our blessings thus far and to not worry too much! I am soon to be 35, so I get the distinctive label of "advanced maternal age". Yay me. So, I know I'm in for some additional tests/monitoring (worrying). Thanks again for the info!

SnowPea25 · August 2011

Hi- just was talking about this on 1st tri too. For both pregnancies I just called and requested them- both to confirm the actual pregnancy and to see if it was progressing. No prior issues, I am just very curious/type A and wanted to know. If you are the type that would rather know either way, I think you can just call and ask- at least with my practice I was able to.

jaxie320 · August 2011

I got my betas tested because I had a missed m/c in May.

elviebird · August 2011

My doc recommended I get them since I had a m/c earlier this year, but by no means were they required for me. I even debated not getting them because I know they can cause even more stress if the numbers aren't where they "should" be. In the end, I'm glad I got them because I was feeling pretty depressed that something was going to go wrong again and it was just a little reassurance... but honestly, it's not something I would elect for if I didn't have the m/c in my history.

texasmeg1 · August 2011

I also have betas because of a m/c in June ... and also bc we had an IUI+clomid to get pregnant.

betas?

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