Blood test for confirmation

jckeown89 · October 2013

So how many of you got a blood test for confirmation of the pregnancy? I contacted my going-to-be care provider. They told me they start seeing in between 6 and 10 weeks. No mention of coming in early for a blood test for confirmation. Is the blood test a standard procedure? Should I ask for one? Sorry...first timer here!

WhitePicketFence · October 2013

Out of 3 pregnancies, I've never once had a blood test to confirm.

tbmadeamistake · October 2013

Not here. I called, told them I turned 3 sticks positive and they said they'd see me at 8-10 weeks. I go in on Tuesday. I think a lot of places don't (unless you have a history of issues) because if something does happen between your BFP and your first appointment, there's nothing can they do. If you're pregnant, you should be taking prenatals and avoiding certain drugs. If you're not actually pregnant, doing that isn't going to hurt you. My confirmation will be the dating U/S that they do bedside during the first appt.

WoodsSeltzer09 · October 2013

I don't think docs do blood tests to confirm because home tests are so reliable. If you had a history of a loss then you'd go in to check your HcGs

Laurelyn2012 · October 2013

I had one but more to see where my levels are at. Then again it was like 9 vials of blood so not sure what the rest where for.

FutureMrsW9 · October 2013

Yup! I've have two so far and will have at least one more next Thursday. I did IVF, though, so this is standard protocol.

FutureMrsW9 · October 2013

WoodsSeltzer09 said:

I don't think docs do blood tests to confirm because home tests are so reliable. If you had a history of a loss then you'd go in to check your HcGs

This actually is NOT necessarily the case. When you go through IF treatments they actually tell you not to use HPTs because they are not necessarily reliable. The only tried and true way to know if you have hcg in your system is by blood test. I know several women who've had negative HPTs but positive blood tests.

curlylocks3 · October 2013

Generally blood tests are only used for women doing fertility treatments or with a history of losses, especially ectopics. If you don't need one, its generally a good thing

jckeown89 · October 2013

Thanks, ladies! I appreciate the input. You have put me at ease. :-)

FutureMrsW9 · October 2013

curlylocks3 said:

Generally blood tests are only used for women doing fertility treatments or with a history of losses, especially ectopics. If you don't need one, its generally a good thing

FYI - There's also nothing wrong if you DO need one. I see that fact that I do as a good thing, as well. It gave me an extra sense of comfort knowing that I truly am pregnant :-) And "needing" one just means you had to work a little harder to get your take home baby on the way. Standard protocol.

brower10 · October 2013

I got one the same day I tested at home. I called the doc and they told me to come in for one plus education

TheMrs820 · October 2013

Standard protocol for a woman with no history of loss, previous high risk pregnancy, or infertility issues is to wait until 8 weeks for the initial appt.
Unless any issues arise prior to that.

It sucks waiting, my appt was on the 28th@9w, but the just called to resched. me to the 1st.....

Pahialii · October 2013

I was about to ask this question - so thank you! I keep being terrified that I'm walking around on cloud 9 thinking I'm pregnant when all I have for proof is a couple of hpts.

Bcsquier · October 2013

My first pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage so i went in for a blood test to make sure my hormone levels are where they should be with this pregnancy, I think it's good because if your hormones start dropping, like progesterone, your doc can supplement it and keep your pregnancy thriving if there is a threatened miscarriage.

Bcsquier · October 2013

My first pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage so i went in for a blood test to make sure my hormone levels are where they should be with this pregnancy, I think it's good because if your hormones start dropping, like progesterone, your doc can supplement it and keep your pregnancy thriving if there is a threatened miscarriage.

lest12 · October 2013

I've had 3 BFP's and each time it was "come in for a blood test". Even the first one, when there were no previous losses.

I'm pretty sure my Dr's office has a standard protocol to have everyone come in.

Maybe every practice is different.

FutureMrsW9 · October 2013

Bcsquier said:

My first pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage so i went in for a blood test to make sure my hormone levels are where they should be with this pregnancy, I think it's good because if your hormones start dropping, like progesterone, your doc can supplement it and keep your pregnancy thriving if there is a threatened miscarriage.

THIS EXACTLY!

wimb01 · October 2013

I never had one. Only blood draws were for glucose test

curlylocks3 · October 2013

amtellez28 said:

When I got my BFP, I called my gyn and she told me to come in "to confirm", and I expected to get a blood test. Instead, she had me pee in a cup (ummm... Isn't that exactly what I did at home for free?) and she stuffed her hand up my lady bits, though I can't imagine what for. Then she just said "Yup. You're pregnant, go find an OB" DH thinks she just wanted to get one more paying visit outta me, and I'm starting to agree. Nothing else till my first OB appt and u/s on the 30th.

The cervix feels and looks different when you are pregnant, which is probably what she was checking for.

ckspwedding · October 2013

My family doc took a bloodtest to confirm my HPT. Happy she did this at 4 weeks because she found my thyroid levels were on the high side and put me on supplements nice and early. Sent me for a US at 6 weeks last Wednesday (saw the babybean and the HB) and referred me to OB (first appointment on Oct 29).

MollySm · October 2013

I had to go in and do a urine test for confirmation with my doctor. Seems a little weird since I had taken 5 at home already, but it's their normal protocol.

bhead81 · October 2013

FutureMrsW9 said:

Yup! I've have two so far and will have at least one more next Thursday. I did IVF, though, so this is standard protocol.

This was me exactly. Most IF patients will have blood confirmations as it is part of an RE's standard protocol. How many depends on the RE...some do 2 others do 3.

lzmac11 · October 2013

I lost about 4 months ago, so I had a bloodtest done. I peed on 3 sticks at home and also had all negatives. Peed on the one at the doctor office and they said it was positive.

ashtonblair123 · October 2013

Most doctors trust those pee sticks. They are pretty accurate. However this time around I really wish they'd take some betas so I know they are going up.

abesse88 · October 2013

The same thing happened to me. I feel very lucky my ob had me come in for hcg and progesterone and allowed me to have an ultrasound on Thursday.. Just saw a little dot but it felt amazing. They said my ch level was 4000 .. Has anyone been that high at 5 weeks

Kamiegrace1 · October 2013

I am an OB nurse - it's not standard procedure. HPTs are reliable enough.

Waliany2015 · October 2013

abesse88 said:
The same thing happened to me. I feel very lucky my ob had me come in for hcg and progesterone and allowed me to have an ultrasound on Thursday.. Just saw a little dot but it felt amazing. They said my ch level was 4000 .. Has anyone been that high at 5 weeks

I was 5w3d and my hcg was 20k. There is a very large range of normal

flerlgirl · October 2013

my office uses the same test as the dollar store sells to confirm

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Blood test for confirmation

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Married DH 7/30/11

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