High HCG levels

sugacattey · April 2012

Hi ladies!

You probably get this question ten times a day on this board (sorry). But I'm going to ask it anyway

At 4 weeks pregnant (exactly 4, we're sure due to IUI) my HCG measured 484 and today (4 weeks + 2 days) I was at 1202! The nurse said that there is a good chance that I could be carrying twins and to start thinking about that possibility... but my first ultrasound isn't for another 3 weeks! I might go nuts wondering before then.

I'm both hopeful and nervous at the prospect of having twins. We have so badly wanted a family (after trying for almost 2 years and having a loss).

What are the positives and negatives of a multiple pregnancy, in your experience?
And also, is there anything I should be doing differently if I am in fact carrying twins? I'm already having a tough time adding 300 calories to my daily diet with my nausea and the idea of adding even more is turning me green!

Thanks so much for your honest answers!

Kb103109 · April 2012

My HGC levels were very high like yours and we did IUI. The office insisted that those number do not always mean you are pregnant with multiples, but mine did.

There are so many positives to having twins (or more) I think. I just adore my girls and I could not imagine life without both of them. Life can get very hairy at times that's for sure, but when I see those angels smile and giggle at me it makes everything worth it. I don't know if a singleton pregnancy is harder or easier because I have only had my twins. I had a bit of a difficult pregnancy because I was on complete bed rest for 3 months, but that is not always the case with a multiple pregnancy.

As far as what you should be doing different if you are carrying multiples, I say just keep yourself healthy. Lots of water, your vitamins, eat healthy lots of fruits and veggies. Just common sense stuff. If you are carrying multiples your OB might want you to take one or two extra supplements. I had to take Iron during most of my pregnancy. I was not very good at taking it all the time, honestly I skipped most days. Because of that after my c-section I had to have 2 blood transfusions.

GL either way!!

everam01 · April 2012

My HCG levels weren't abnormally high but they did triple over 2 days instead of double. It looks like yours more than doubled so you never know.

I love having twins, but I didn't particularly love the twin pregnancy. It was tough and I was nervous the entire time so I don't feel like I properly enjoyed it. Some people have great experiences, though.

If you do end up pregnant with multiples, my advice would be to insist on seeing a MFM specialist or at the very least an OB who specializes in multiple pregnancies.

lkates921 · April 2012

I agree a lot with what the PP said! I love my girls to death! i couldn't imagine just having one baby! There are times that it's so hard, really hard, and i want to rip my hair out. But, when they laugh and smile or blow raspberries on my belly (one of my personal favorite things that they do to me lol) I just melt!

As for being pregnant with them i didn't find that it was too, too hard. I only have twins so I don't have any other pregnancies to compare it to. Eat healthy! And REST as MUCH as you can! I carried my twins to 35wks and 1 day. And they had 11 days in the NICU and were on apnea monitors for 8 weeks. And as the PP said My OB had me on a prenatal with DHA and i had to take an iron supplement too. And hopefully your upset tummy will go away soon. I seriously ate the entire time. That was all i did it felt like. My pregnancy ended earlier than we wanted it to because my BP started going up and the pre-e finally kicked in at 35wks. So make sure you watch your blood pressure! That is my experience in a nut shell! Enjoy! it's a truly special experience!

jessican08 · April 2012

My first beta was at 11dp5dt (or 16dpo) and it was 402 so you've got me "beat". As your nurse said, it's a definite possibility but only the u/s will tell for sure.

FWIW - a friend of mine had her beta at 11dp5dt (16dpo). It was 600 something and she only had one baby in there.

What are the positives and negatives of a multiple pregnancy, in your experience? This is my first PG so I don't have anything to compare it to but I can say that it's been exciting and extremely nerve wracking at the same time - knowing that you're at a greater risk for complications and pre-term labor. Not to mention I just priced out day care...ouch.

And also, is there anything I should be doing differently if I am in fact carrying twins? I'm just taking it easy, laying down when I feel tired and/or crampy. The one thing all of my doctors have told me is STAY HYDRATED so I have water with me religiously.

As far as eating, you're still very early in your PG so just make sure you're eating small meals/snacks often.

ougrad1 · April 2012

Positives and negatives of a multiples pregnancy? That's a loaded question. I'd just take a look at the board and judge for yourself.

Up at the top there is a question section and there are lots of beta numbers under there. My third IUI my beta was 118 at 14 dpiui but, you just never know.

Congrats on your pregnancy!

ColleenS629 · April 2012

My HCG at 4 weeks was 452 and at 4w2d was 1,026. I know everyone says that doesn't mean twins but my RE told me that with those numbers, there was a good chance that more than one stuck (I put back 2 with IVF). How many follies did you have at trigger?

sugacattey · April 2012

ColleenS629:
My HCG at 4 weeks was 452 and at 4w2d was 1,026. I know everyone says that doesn't mean twins but my RE told me that with those numbers, there was a good chance that more than one stuck (I put back 2 with IVF). How many follies did you have at trigger?

That's exciting! I had 2 follies for sure and possibly a 3rd she thought at trigger. It was surprising to me because I was on Femara and not Clomid which I had read had a lower incidence of multiple follicles. The more I think about the idea of twins, the more excited I get! My sister said though that her levels were high when she was pregnant both times and they were both singletons. She doesn't remember the numbers though. Maybe we're just genetically high HCG producers! This 3 week wait for the ultrasound might be even tougher than the 2ww for a pregnancy test! Eek!
Thanks for all your responses, ladies! I really appreciate them.

tootlebug · April 2012

Nurses are dumb. I've yet to find a knowledgable nurse about this stuff and I know too much about IF crap. At 16 dpi mine was 172. Twins. P4 was 42. And it was cloud with two follies.

Northof54 · April 2012

Your levels are higher than the Quint Mom a few posts ahead of you!!!! EEkkkers!

i think there's something to be said with levels - you should ask for an earlier u/s - I'd be wanting a sneak peak too

At 4 weeks - is that 14dpo?

sugacattey · April 2012

Northof54:

Your levels are higher than the Quint Mom a few posts ahead of you!!!! EEkkkers!

i think there's something to be said with levels - you should ask for an earlier u/s - I'd be wanting a sneak peak too

At 4 weeks - is that 14dpo?

Ha! Northof54- I might have a heart attack if it's more than 2!
Yep - 4wks/14dpo (or 14 days past IUI).

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