thread: Question about hcg levels

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Jul 2008
    Adelaide
    11

    Question about hcg levels

    Hi all

    I'm a newbie with a question, and hoping someone might have some experience or guidance.

    Long story short, I've had 5 m/c in 20 mths, anywhere from 4 wks to 12 wks.

    I am being monitored closely by my fs. Here are hcg levels (from lmp)

    4wks 5 days - 6
    4wks 7 days -31
    5wks 4 days - 220
    6wks 1 day - 1400
    7wks 1 day - 10,100
    7wks 4 days - 17,600

    Prog levels went as high as 100, and have now dropped to 70. I'm scheduled to have an u/s tmrw but am very anxious as the nurse sounded concerned that my last level didn't double. Some research I've read (here and other places) suggest that after the levels reach 6000 it can take 4 days to double. As for the prog level, I'm also a little worried about it dropping. They said I can have a blood test again tmrw, but I dunno, sometimes I reckon it would be less stressful not knowing.

    I know I won't know anymore until after tomorrows u/s, but just wondering what you think? Am I worrying for nothing??

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Caroline Springs
    2,341

    Hi Snickers,

    Firstly I want to congratulate you on your pregnancy. I'm very sorry to hear about your losses and hope that this pregnancy progesses nice and smoothly for both you and your bubs.

    As you probably already know, hcg levels can vary greatly from one person to the next, and even from one pregnancy to the next in the same person. For that reason I wouldn't get too stressed about the actual numbers.

    I've just found my pathology report from the last blood test I had with my angel and it has the "expected normal values for pregnancy" that Melbourne Pathology use:

    3-4 weeks: 9 - 130
    4-5 weeks: 75 - 2600
    5-6 weeks: 850 - 20800
    6-7 weeks: 4000 - 100200
    7-12weeks: 11500 - 289000
    12-16 weeks: 18300 - 137000
    16-29 weeks: 1400 - 5300
    29-41weeks: 940 - 60000

    Based on those values I would say things are going quite well for you.

    I'm not so sure about prog though as I never had my prog tested. If you have bloods done tomorrow and they are worried about your prog level they might be able to give you a prog shot or pessaries...

    Anyway, good luck with your ultrasound. I hope bubs gives you a nice wave

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Jan 2006
    Dunedin New zealand
    1,545

    good luck for your scan tomorrow, try not to worry

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Jul 2008
    Adelaide
    11

    Thanks guys for your reassurance. I'm dreading the u/s as I haven't had good experiences with them. I'm trying not to worry but the nurse has got me concerned. Oh well, I'll know more tomorrow. Fingers crossed for a healthy heartbeat

  5. #5

    Oct 2005
    A Nestle Free Zone... What about YOU?
    5,374

    Thinking of you...

  6. #6
    Registered User

    May 2007
    Out of my mind.... back in 10 mins.
    365

    Snickers,
    How did your scan go???
    Your HCG levels look good to me.
    I had to have a couple of scans to find heartbeat, so I have an idea how you are feeling.
    Take care
    Chris

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Jul 2008
    Adelaide
    11

    Hi Chris

    I thought I posted a reply yesterday, but then the site crashed on me and I forgot to check.

    We saw a heartbeat, 128bpm. They put me back 9 days which is ok as I have no idea when I ovulated as I had just finished another mc - so we suspect I ovulated later. The technician was fantastic, I was beside with worry but she was very calm and understanding.

    HCG came back at 27,600 so I'm happy with that. Prog is still dropping, so I have to go back saturday for more blood. Hopefully it's my body adjusting to the hormones, but if it falls to low they'll give me the prog support. Just taking one step at a time.

    Thanks everyone for your support.

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Jan 2006
    Dunedin New zealand
    1,545

    glad all is great

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Jul 2007
    Cairns
    90

    snickers did they say it was normal to have a drop in progestrone and for it to be ok? I am wondering as my progestrone at 3+4 was at 68 and at 4+4 was at 54

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Jul 2008
    Adelaide
    11

    Hi Baby Blue Eyes

    The nurse on Monday was concerned, and said that it was not normal. She explained that it's still very high (so is yours) but they want to watch it. The lady who did my scan explained that hormones are different in every body and not to worry. I'm not sure, it's hard not to worry. I've spent HOURS searching the net for an answer, or for someone in a similiar position. No luck yet, I guess time will tell.

    Let me know if you find anything and congrats.