High HCG levels

Hi-- I posted the other day about being 45 and 1/2 and pregnant, and you gave me the very good advice to get my progesterone levels checked and to see a high-risk pregnancy specialist.  I
called the Reproductive Endocrinology clinic where I'd previously been evaluated, and had a blood test confirming the pregnancy; my progesterone was low-normal, so the doctor put me on vaginal progesterone suppositories (as well as prenatal vitamins with 1600 mcg total folic acid and an 81 mg. aspirin per day).  He also said not to have sex, exercise, lift, etc. until my first ultrasound, at which point he will refer me to
a Maternal Fetal Health specialist.  What is worrying me is that the nurse who called me with the blood test results at first said I had a nice, strong HCG number, but then she said that while my last menstrual cycle would indicate I was beginning my 5th week of pregnancy, the HCG number suggests I am at least 6 and 1/2 weeks along.  She said this may indicate twins (twins do run in both my husband's and my family).  But then I googled "high HCG" and saw that high HCG levels can also indicate Down's syndrome, so now I'm really worrying (and I wish I hadn't looked around for information!).  They are going to recheck my HCG/progesterone levels this coming week, but I won't actually see a doctor for an ultrasound until the week after.  So I'm wondering if you can tell me anything about what a high HCG level means at this stage of the pregnancy.  I am in good
health, with great blood pressure, am a normal weight, fit, etc., and so far I feel really good, just a little tired; this is my first pregnancy (and my husband and I are very happy, as well as surpised)...Thank you!

[Forum-M.D.-SP]

Hi there - it was probably one of my partners who answered your last query. HCG levels are highly variable, and because of this one cannot predict how many weeks you are based on an HGC level. You are correct that abnormal HCG levels are a predictor for pregnancy abnormalities, but these need to be placed in context - even with high HCG levels most pregnancies are normal. The greatest risk factor you have, far greater than any HCG level, is your age, which is something we have no control over. It sounds like you have done everything you can to give this pregnancy the best chances for success - unfortunately we just won't know the health of the pregnancy until the ultrasound. I know this is going to be a long week plus until the ultrasound.....Good luck!!

[sara8013]

I AM REALLY SCARED BECAUSE I ALREADY ORDERED THE HCG AND I HEARD

THAT YOU NEED TO BE 28 IN ORDER TO DO THE

HCG. IS THIS TRUE? I'M A 19 YEAR OLD GIRL AND I AM REALLY

CONFUSED. I ALSO HEARD THAT YOU WILL HAVE FERTILITY PROBLEMS IF

YOU DO THE HCG BEFORE YOU ARE 28 YEARS OLD. I REALLY NEED TO KNOW IF

THIS IS TRUE BECAUSE I ALREADY ORDERED IT?

PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME!
PLEASE RESPOND
THANK YOU,
SARA

[sara8013]

I AM REALLY SCARED BECAUSE I ALREADY ORDERED THE HCG AND I HEARD

THAT YOU NEED TO BE 28 IN ORDER TO DO THE

HCG. IS THIS TRUE? I'M A 19 YEAR OLD GIRL AND I AM REALLY

CONFUSED. I ALSO HEARD THAT YOU WILL HAVE FERTILITY PROBLEMS IF

YOU DO THE HCG BEFORE YOU ARE 28 YEARS OLD. I REALLY NEED TO KNOW IF

THIS IS TRUE BECAUSE I ALREADY ORDERED IT?

PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME!
PLEASE RESPOND
THANK YOU,
SARA


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