Viable Pregnancy

I do not remember the date of my LMP.  I have a cycle anywhere from 21-30 days.

The only day during August that I had intercourse was August 10.

A home pregnancy test confirmed pregnancy with a very faint line on August 23.  A urine test at my doctor's office on August 25.

Quantum hCG was 306 on 8/24.  Quantum hCG was 4054 on 9/2.

Ultrasound on 9/5 showed gestational sac, but no fetal pole.

Quantum hCG was 15,380 on 9/8.  Ultrasound on 9/12 still did not reveal fetal pole.  The gestational sac was normal and radiologist saw nothing else to be concerned with.

Quantum hCG was 68,950 on 9/22.  Another ultrasound is scheduled for 9/29.

I have severe pregnancy symptoms (breast tenderness, morning sickness, etc).  I have had absolutely no spotting or bleeding.  My doctor is telling me to prepare for a blighted ovum.

Do the hCG levels rise normally with a blighted ovum?  Do my hCG levels look normal?  How long can sperm survive?  Is it possible that I'm not as far along as I think.  What do you think my chances of having a blighted ovum are based on the hCG levels?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Here is a chart with the suggestive rise of HCG to LMP:
Week from LMP   Amount of hCG in mIU/ml
3               5 - 50
4               4 - 426
5               19 - 7,340
6               1,080 - 56,500
7 - 8           7,650 - 229,000
9 - 12          25,700 - 288,000
13 - 16         13,300 - 254,000
17 - 24         4,060 - 165,400
25 - 40         3,640 - 117,000

As you can see, it is quite variable.  Diagnosis is normally made by repeated ultrasounds.  It will be unlikely to say whether a blighted ovum is present solely based on HCG levels.  

Here is an article on blighted ovums that may be able to answer more questions:
http://health.discovery.com/diseasesandcond/encyclopedia/1980.html

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.