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Betas? *UPDATE*

augusta17augusta17 member
edited June 2014 in Pregnant after a Loss

The nurse at my OB's office said I can call this week to set up times to go get betas drawn *if I want to*. She didn't seem like it was something that was NEEDING to be done. With having had 1 MC at 5 weeks, I'm not sure if this is something I should do?  I understand that getting them done wouldn't change anything.  I guess I just don't have a clear understanding of how previous miscarriages affect future pregnancies, and am unsure of how I should be monitoring this pregnancy. Thoughts or experiences?

Update: I feel miserable & hopeless. I began spotting last night. I've had cramping and back pain that shoots down my legs all day so I went ahead and had them draw a first set of betas today. Hcg came back at 63.4 and progesterone at 4.51. Those numbers say enough without a 2nd set. I'm 4w5d... Shouldn't they be WAY higher? I just can't do this all over again.

TTC #1 since 08/2013

BFP#1: 1/6/2014 EDD: 9/17/2014 Natural MC: 1/17/2014 (5w3d)

BFP #2: 6/7/2014 EDD: 2/18/2015 Natural MC 6/19/2014 (5w)

BFP #3: 10/22/14 EDD: 7/1/2015  

*Taking Progesterone supplements* Beta 1: 777, Beta 2: 2589 *GROW BABY!*

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Re: Betas? *UPDATE*

  • jess123456jess123456 member
    edited June 2014
    Congrats! Getting betas done is a personal choice and not all patients are offered them. Typically this involves getting blood drawn over the course of three days (every other day usually). Doctors use them to see if they are doubling about every 48 hours. I have had them taken since my second loss and sometimes they can stress me out but other times I'm grateful for them. It's an indication at the very beginning of how things are progressing though of course a later ultrasound will show more.
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  • CaitNMattCaitNMatt member
    I've had a range of beta experiences. With my first pregnancy, my DD, my OB did one set at 5weeks, and then an ultrasound at 7w. My next OB, who dealt with both of my losses, did them twice... To check doubling time. I found them extremely stressful knowing that like you said, the numbers don't change anything. With that being said, I know they can also track your progesterone if it's low and give you the proper supplements. So it's a very personal choice for each woman. I hope that if you do them, it gives you lots of reassurance and makes the time go faster. Good luck and congrats!!!

    A little bit about me...

    Married my awesome guy on 12/27/08

    DD Lucy Rae born on 11/16/2010

    Loss #1: November 29, 2012 at 8w1d

    Loss #2: June 9, 2013 at 13w (Amelia Grace)

    BFP #4: We are having a BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Peter Matthew was born on July 16, 2014!!! Welcome to our family!

     

     "If anyone asks me how many children I have, the answer is 4. Just two of them live in Heaven."

    *All are welcome in my posts*

     

     

     
     
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  • megbmegmegbmeg member
    It sounds like it would be mainly for your peace of mind. If you draw betas, the first number won't really tell you anything. You'll wait two days and draw again, and what you are looking for is a good rise in the numbers (ideally doubling in that time). I had betas draws because it was reassuring to me & DH to see our numbers grow. But there isn't anything to do from the data. So follow your gut, I'd say. If it sounds nerve wracking, skip it. If it sounds helpful, set it up. Good luck!
    Baby GIRL born 12/11/14!!
    MC @ 8 wks 7/6/13 - ectopic @ 6 wks 12/28/13

     In loving memory of sweet baby HP, and all our angel babies. Forever in our hearts.image 
     
      image

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  • augusta17augusta17 member
    Thank you for the responses!  I might call tomorrow!

    TTC #1 since 08/2013

    BFP#1: 1/6/2014 EDD: 9/17/2014 Natural MC: 1/17/2014 (5w3d)

    BFP #2: 6/7/2014 EDD: 2/18/2015 Natural MC 6/19/2014 (5w)

    BFP #3: 10/22/14 EDD: 7/1/2015  

    *Taking Progesterone supplements* Beta 1: 777, Beta 2: 2589 *GROW BABY!*

     Image and video hosting by TinyPic

    BabyFetus Ticker

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  • 2redtulips2redtulips member
    I am sorry to hear that you feel hopeless. 

    My first hcg number wasn't very high. With that number in particular, I think the doubling time is all that really matters. FX that you get some hopeful news with the second draw. 

    Hugs.

    _______________________________________________________________________
    First-time mom, 35+, parenting after a loss (mmc Oct. 2012 @ 8 wks), ttc for a year after loss

    CafeMom Tickers


    January PAL siggie challenge; Good advice:
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  • haleyusfhaleyusf member
    ((hugs)) No advice really, but my T&P are with you.

    DS born 10/22/2008
    DD born 12/23/2014

    m/c @10wks 12/2007
    m/c @4wks 3/2014


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  • Samuelismomma Samuelismomma member
    Not sure about hcg...but my re wanted my progesterone above 20 so you might want to ask about progesterone supositories and it might stop the spotting! Congrats and good luck!
    ***ticker warning*** DS 3/27/12 born 6 weeks early....my perfect boy !! Lilypie Third Birthday tickersLilypie First Birthday tickers [url=http://lilypie.com][img]http://lb1f.lilypie.com/z5R8p1.png[/img][/url] image<a href="http://www.thebump.com/?
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  • megbmegmegbmeg member
    I'm sorry to hear about the spotting and pain. I don't think the numbers tell you anything yet. I know waiting is so so hard. I hope you get good news soon.
    Baby GIRL born 12/11/14!!
    MC @ 8 wks 7/6/13 - ectopic @ 6 wks 12/28/13

     In loving memory of sweet baby HP, and all our angel babies. Forever in our hearts.image 
     
      image

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  • E&B0811E&B0811 member
    Birch113 said:

    I'm so sorry you feel hopeless. (((Hugs))) Like PP said, the numbers have to start somewhere. It's whether they double that's most important. Has your OB talked to you about progesterone suppositories?

    All of this.

    The numbers all have to start at 1 at some point. My first betas were super low this pregnancy and today I am 14w3d with Vigorous Baby. When do you go back for a second set of betas? Also, I second the progesterone supps. Good luck and (((hugs)))

    image

    Pregnancy Ticker

    BFP 5/19/2013. MC 7/2/2013 (9w6d) with est. loss at 8w. Miso 7/3/2013 and emergency D & C 7/6/2013.

    BFP#2 11/6/2013.  CP 11/14/2013.  

    BFP #3 12/13/2013.  Beta #1 @ 15dpo- 239. Progesterone 27.  Beta #2 @17dpo - 90.  CP 12/21/2013

    Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  -Philippians 4:6-7

    All PgAL and PAL welcome.

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  • augusta17augusta17 member
    They are drawing another set Wed., and I haven't asked about progesterone yet. This is a new OB and I have yet to even see her. My progesterone level is what's scaring me. It's almost 1/4 what it should be. It was low before my 1st loss too.

    TTC #1 since 08/2013

    BFP#1: 1/6/2014 EDD: 9/17/2014 Natural MC: 1/17/2014 (5w3d)

    BFP #2: 6/7/2014 EDD: 2/18/2015 Natural MC 6/19/2014 (5w)

    BFP #3: 10/22/14 EDD: 7/1/2015  

    *Taking Progesterone supplements* Beta 1: 777, Beta 2: 2589 *GROW BABY!*

     Image and video hosting by TinyPic

    BabyFetus Ticker

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