Low HCG?

eburgmama · September 2014

Hi! I just got my 3rd BFP this year. I am hoping that three times is the charm because my last 2 ended in m/c (at 7 weeks and then a chemical).
I had blood work done yesterday at 17 or 18 DPO. My HCG was 271 and the front desk person said my progesterone was low but didnt tell me the number, she said that 271 was on the low end for hcg. I am waiting to hear back from my midwife. Just looking for some similar experiences!

Unknown · September 2014

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eburgmama · September 2014

I have not spoken to the midwife. I'm waiting for a call back. The front desk/office manager said they'd first make sure my numbers were doubling, then give me an oral supplement and then at 8 weeks after seeing a heartbeat would switch to suppositories.

I'm wondering if she thought I was further along though? MY LMP was 8/24 but I didnt Ovulate until CD 19 or 20.

dragonfly1809 · September 2014

That number sounds fine to me. With this baby my HCG started low ..low 100's around the point you're at, and they rose slowly at first. Then out of nowhere I was up over 100,000 and throwing up five times a day.

Remember, doubling is what matters, not the number.

I'm not experienced with progesterone issues, but I know that it can be treated easily. Check with your doctor as soon as you can

classicstar28 · September 2014

I had my HCG checked at 17dpo and mine was 331 which is only a little bit higher than yours. Doctor wasn't concerned at all. It's really the 2nd number they want to look at since it's more about if the number is doubling.

Also, the APA has a chart for "normal" HCG levels by week. It says: 4 weeks LMP: 5 – 426 mIU/ml and 5 weeks LMP: 18 – 7,340 mIU/ml.

DenaMaree · September 2014

Ugh, I am shocked she told you she felt your HCG was low. That seems irresponsible as having low HCG is so much less alarming then your HCG being high! Remember there is a difference in when you think you ovulated and when implantation occurs. The important thing is it goes up 66% in 48 hours! Definitely find out what your progesterone is. Hugs and congrats on your BFP!!

jlworden710 · September 2014

My first HCG was 18... it was 7 or 8 dpo, but still, its the 2nd number that counts more then the initial number... my second was 80. As far as progesterone, with my second pregnancy my reading was 18, because of that after my surgery when we started TTC again, the RE used progesterone suppositories just as a cautionary measure.

Congrats to you!!!

eburgmama · September 2014

So I heard back from midwife and my progesterone was 8. something and she is calling in the supplement today. SHE said that my HCG numbers were good.

goldengirl84 · September 2014

This is my experience: I had a successful pregnancy in 2012. Started trying for #2 in January of this year and had 3 early losses. With the 3rd I started 100mg progesterone suppositories after BFP. Unfortunately that one ended in a loss at 5 weeks. I benched myself for 2 months and started TTC again in August. I started 200mg progesterone suppository 2 days after ovulation. They are supposed to be most efficient if taken before a BFP. This one has stuck and I'm currently 8w1d. My RE says he doesn't believe in checking progesterone because your levels can vary so much by the hours. He says chemical pregnancies are so common and are usually the result of a random chromosomal issue. Progesterone supplements are just given for support because they might help. From what I understand, the suppositories are better than the oral supplements. I would trust your doctor/midwife, but if you feel worried you can always ask for a second opinion. I think your hCG sounds fine as long as it doubles. FX for you! I know the early weeks are so hard.

E&B0811 · September 2014

Ditto the other ladies. I'm glad you got a call from the MW and that she called in an rx for progesterone.

Just by way of comparison my hcg was only 49 at 15dpo and I am almost 30 weeks along now. I also had lower progesterone and was on the suppositories first tri. A word of caution...they leak out during the day so a panty liner is almost essential. BUT, if you're like me, you may have a bad reaction to the constant rubbing from the liner so when you're home or feel like you can go without a liner try to do that.

KJsbabe · September 2014

I'm glad your midwife got back to you and you're getting on supplements. 8 is pretty low for progesterone, but the supplements should help bump that up. Your HCG looks great for 17-18dpo.

mrsjg2013 · September 2014

I am currently being monitored for low HCG (in my siggy if you're interested), so your numbers sound good to me!! I don't think I would have worried about it for a moment if mine had been in the 200's!!

I'm on progesterone supplements because they MIGHT help. It's a little messy, but totally worth it if it helps

Best wishes for doubling numbers!!

carlsonbaby2014 · September 2014

The other ladies have given good advice, I only want to add that there is such a variance in hcg numbers, as indicated by this guideline chart below. I'm so glad the MW got back to you and said the hcg levels look good. Congratulations on this new pregnancy

!!

hCG levels in weeks from LMP (gestational age)* :

3 weeks LMP: 5 – 50 mIU/ml
4 weeks LMP: 5 – 426 mIU/ml
5 weeks LMP: 18 – 7,340 mIU/ml
6 weeks LMP: 1,080 – 56,500 mIU/ml
7 – 8 weeks LMP: 7, 650 – 229,000 mIU/ml
9 – 12 weeks LMP: 25,700 – 288,000 mIU/ml
13 – 16 weeks LMP: 13,300 – 254,000 mIU/ml
17 – 24 weeks LMP: 4,060 – 165,400 mIU/ml
25 – 40 weeks LMP: 3,640 – 117,000 mIU/ml
Non-pregnant females: <5.0 mIU/ml
Postmenopausal females: <9.5 mIU/ml

* These numbers are just a GUIDELINE– every woman’s level of hCG can rise differently. It is not necessarily the level that matters but rather the change in the level.

taberbtb · September 2014

KJsbabe said:
I'm glad your midwife got back to you and you're getting on supplements. 8 is pretty low for progesterone, but the supplements should help bump that up. Your HCG looks great for 17-18dpo.

This is exactly what I was going to say. FX for a great second number!

Samuelismomma · September 2014

Good luck on 2nd set of numbers:) glad you are getting supplements and good luck!

eburgmama · September 2014

Ugh and now I'm worried because they prescribed oral supplements. They don't start the suppository until they see a healthy heart beat.

LuvLoveXo · September 2014

Hopefully they will do another draw tomorrow or the next day. My LMP was 8/22 & I ovulated CD 19 (possibly 20). I had a draw last Tuesday at 13DPO & I was 207. Two days later I was 496. They were pleased for the time being and I'm having another draw this Thursday. Everyone's levels are different. The most important thing is that they double. Make sure they draw them a couple of more times until you're far enough along for an ultrasound.