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High HCG levels in second tri

djtippietoesdjtippietoes member
in High-Risk Pregnancy
Hello Ladies,

This is my first post on this board.  I'm 20 weeks pregnant with my first child.  I had an early miscarriage (7 weeks) back in November of 2012.  I found out, through the quad screen, that I have high levels of HCG in my blood.  My numbers were something like 3 MoM.  My inhibin level is also slightly high and my Papp-a and AFP are normal.

The baby does not have down syndrome or any other chromosomal abnormalities (I had an amnio).  A midwife mentioned that a high HCG level can indicate an issue with the placenta which has me all freaked out, especially since I'm not showing yet and I haven't felt any movement.  I called the doctor for more clarification but he hasn't gotten back to me yet.

Has anyone had this issue?  How did it turn out?  They haven't mentioned anything looking wrong on any of my ultrasounds and I've already had 5.
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Re: High HCG levels in second tri

  • YouMe&BaxYouMe&Bax member
    I haven't had the same situation - but I just wanted to say I didn't feel movement until 23-24ish weeks andI have 2! Try not to let that be an indicator that something is wrong.  I know it's hard when you don't have all the answers.   Take a deep breath and wait for the doctor - and if anything - stay off of Dr. Google!! It makes things so much worse!! I'll be thinking of you - good luck!
    Me: 30, DH: 40 
    TTC since January 2012HSG & Bloodwork: Normal, SA: NormalDx: Unexplained Infertility 50mg Clomid + TI = BFN (three cycles)
    50mg Clomid + trigger + IUI = BFP (one cycle)
    Beta #1 (12dpo) = 49  Beta #2 (14dpo)= 149

    Expecting g/g twins Oct '13


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  • BeachBucketBeachBucket member
    100% Do. Not. Google. This will do you absolutely NO GOOD.

    I am familiar with cases like yours (not personally, just apart of my job). I would assume that your OB will be watching closely (extra monitoring/ US's) and may even refer you to MFM.

    I do not want to scare you, at all, as I am not your doctor or familiar with your specific case. The good news is 1. You are aware of it now. 2. There seems to be no genetic abnormalities and that is a positive. Your doctor can be proactive and work towards maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

    Be your own advocate. Ask for all the information, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Be as prepared as you can be for what lies ahead.

    My condolences on your previous loss. As someone who has been there, I can say enjoy this pregnancy every day. Love this baby fully even if it is scary to open your heart again.

    I will be thinking of you.
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  • djtippietoesdjtippietoes member
    @beachbucket in the cases that you have seen, how often does high HCG indicate a placental problem, would you say?

    They said I will be monitored twice a week after 32 weeks, but right now I'm only 20 weeks so something happening in those in-between weeks scares me.

    Just waiting for my doc (it is an mfm) to call md back on Monday to discuss my fears.
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  • BeachBucketBeachBucket member
    With these you start to see the challenges in the later stages of pregnancy. Right now baby is small enough that, regardless of the challenges, your placenta can maintain the pregnancy comfortably.  30-32 weeks is a good point to begin extra monitoring. I would not invite any extra worry until you know for sure. If it gives you peace of mind, purchase an at home doppler. But really consider it before you do. It can be maddening.

    It is, almost, always a placenta issue. Your placenta is what is producing these hormones. To say what is the exact reasoning for your specific situation, I can't. I can tell you that your Papp-a and AFP being normal are very encouraging.
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  • djtippietoesdjtippietoes member
    BeachBucket said:
    With these you start to see the challenges in the later stages of pregnancy. Right now baby is small enough that, regardless of the challenges, your placenta can maintain the pregnancy comfortably.  30-32 weeks is a good point to begin extra monitoring. I would not invite any extra worry until you know for sure. If it gives you peace of mind, purchase an at home doppler. But really consider it before you do. It can be maddening.

    It is, almost, always a placenta issue. Your placenta is what is producing these hormones. To say what is the exact reasoning for your specific situation, I can't. I can tell you that your Papp-a and AFP being normal are very encouraging.
    Thanks.  This makes me feel a bit better, actually.  Knowing that if problems do occur, it is likely that it will be during the time I am getting extra monitoring.  I think my biggest fear is that a problem is going to occur now but I won't know for another 2 weeks, when I have my next appointment.  They told me the extra monitoring would begin at 32 weeks and at that time, I'd go in twice a week - once to my regular obgyn and once to the mfm.  Hopefully it's nothing.  I'm just a worrier at heart so it's particularly difficult for me.  And I actually do have a home doppler.  The heartbeat has been just fine so far.
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