thread: HCG Levels, big scare, is this normal?

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Jan 2008
    New Zealand
    175

    Question HCG Levels, big scare, is this normal?

    Hi,

    I had a big scare this morning and wondered if any one can shed any light on it for me.
    My levels have been as follows

    294 4 wks
    1050 4 wks 4 days
    10,300 5 wks 4 days
    44,100 6 wks 4 days
    72,700 7 wks 4 days
    ?????? 8 wks 4 days (missed this test as I was away)

    My one I had yesterday came back at 30,000, is this normal to drop from 72,700 to 30,000 in 2 weeks??????
    My doctor was worried and we organised a scan which I had this morning and everything was fine and the baby was moving and the heart was beating strongly and actually measured a couple of days bigger than was expected at 10 weeks 1 day.
    I'm sure I dont have to tell you what a state I was in at the scan I went there fully expecting it to be all over.
    I can't seem to stop crying, just relief I guess.

    Has this happened to anyone else, I know the HCG levels off after awhile but I wasn't expecting the drop.
    My nurse suggested the lab may have made a mistake... I just don't know what to think.
    Any feedback would be much appreciated.

    Cheers Missy

  2. #2
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber & MPM

    Feb 2007
    Melbourne
    5,462

    Sorry you've had a scare today Missy . I don't know too much about hCG levels so I'm no help really. It does sound strange that they have dropped so much, I wonder if they have made a mistake at the lab? Would your Dr send you for another test this week?

    I'm so glad you got to see your little miracle bub moving around at the scan.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Oct 2008
    brisbane australia
    840

    hi there im in the midst of the HCG saga mine are going up as im still in early stages but yours seem great! after 8 weeks the will stay steady than drop once the placenta takes over. I heartbeat is all that counts now! maybe you had vanishing twin syndrome? you saw your bub so thats the main thing! hope all stays well!

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Sep 2007
    Brisbane
    5,729

    Wow that would have stressed me out too.

    Let's hope it was a lab error! I am so glad though to hear that the ultrasound showed a healthy bubba. Sending you lots of sticky vibes!

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Dec 2006
    In my own private paradise
    15,272

    hun most doctors stop looking at HCG levels beyond six weeks and rely on u/s to see what is happening

    trust in what has shown up on your scan - not the other bits and pieces

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Jan 2008
    New Zealand
    175

    Thanks so much for your replies,
    I was my Dr that was sending me weekly but my Midwife just rang me and said not to do the BT's anymore. She said once you get to the 10-12 week mark the placenta takes over so your body doesn't have to make as much HCG. She agreed it was a big drop but as long as there is no bleeding or pain I'm just to hold tight till I have the NT scan at 12 weeks.
    It was SOOOOO good to hear the lady say there was a heart beat, and my husband was able to come with me to this one and saw baby moving around which made it more real to him. This pregnancy being the surprise it was it has taken me awhile to get my head around it and I have the daily reminder of the reality of it (by way of all day sickness etc) but my DH hadn't really been confronted with the realness of it till today. We were both overwhelmed with relief and the 'wowness' of it all.

    I'm starting to get excited about it, despite facing the coming tests etc and all the hurdles to come. I have a flicker of hope in my heart now.
    Thankyou for listening, cheers Missy

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Mar 2008
    mid north coast, nsw
    1,644

    I agree...HCG levels can do funny things, especially after about 8 weeks, so go with the scan results, and perhaps have a follow up scan soonish, if it will reassure you..I had my HCG tested until about 7.5 weeks, so I don't know beyond that to help give you any comparison- I do know it plateaus then drops off towards the end of the first trimester

    or maybe there was lab error