Hcg levels low, to early for ultrasound?

[jhopeful]

I posted this on another forum but thought this might be a better place! So my husband and I have been trying to conceive a child for over two years.  After 6 failed IUI's and 2 IVF's...Our third IVF cycle I got pregnant!  We thought we could be all excited that finally we were pregnant!! But No!  The doctor is concerned by my "sluggish" hcg levels.  on 10/27 it was 73 on 10/29 it was 120, 11/2 it was 371 and 11/5 it was 686.  Now up until this last test, I was still optimistic!  Everywhere that I read it says doubling every 48-72 hours, which it pretty much was. Then this one it didn't!  The doctor is all concerned because their idea of "normal" is every 48 hours. After almost two years they should realize I am not a NORMAL patient.  Is this something that I should be concerned about?  It is going up! I am going in on Monday 11/9 for bloodwork, ultrasound and to speak to the doctor.  Do you think it's to early to see anything on an ultrasound? I won't be 6 weeks till 10/10. I am so scared!  I just more than anything to have a baby and thought this was finally it!

[kmcarino]

I thought that the HCG levels had to go up at least 60% every two to three days, that is what my nurse told me.  It seems that your levels are going up just enough.  It would be better of course if they were going up faster so I might be a little cautious until you see a big jump in yoru numbers or something on the ultrasound.  I think the HCG needsx to be 1500 in order to see something on ultrasound so if your numbers continue to rise you should see something on the ultrasound.  I hope that this is it for you!!!

[jhopeful]

Thanks Kmcarino.  I am just keeping my fingers crossed that they have better news for me on Monday and that my numbers go up!  I am hoping I am a slow starter!  I have waited so long for this and thought I would get to enjoy the whole finding out I am pregnant etc, instead its been bloodtests every three days and stress!  

[mommyin10]

Hi. Try not to worry. most of us don't fitbin "the norm" ;) Your numbers look good to me. My first beta was around 260 & my second was two days later at 420. I was concerned that they didn't double, but 420 was within the range. You can find hcg level ranges online. After my 2nd beta, my doc scheduled an u/s for 5 days later (There was no indication my numbers would be above 1500 like kmcarino said). I think doctors all just have their own protocols. So, my first u/s was at 5 weeks, 1 day pregnant & we saw a perfect little sac :)  We didn't see the heartbeat til our second u/s at 6 weeks, 2 days & surprise, there was another sac! At 7 weeks, we saw two beautiful beating hearts & we're now 19 weeks pregnant. So, I know it's stressful, but try to keep yourself as relaxed as possible for your little one ;) Best wishes & congrats!

[jhopeful]

Thanks Mommyin10.  I keep thinking the same thing, I have never fit into the "norm" since starting fertilty treatment.  I have been thinking my numbers our fine, but the doctors have me all worried, saying they are sluggish.  So now  I am all nervous and my hubby is freaking out!  I just hope that Monday my levels are at least almost doubled again and they can see my cute little sac on the ultrasound!  Hopefully...I am worrying for nothing!  =)  It is nice to come on here though and see woman in similar situations that have gone on to have healthy pregnancies!  Congrats on your pregnancy as well!!  

[mommyin10]

Thanks for the congrats & I'm glad you feel a bit better.  I know you're going to worry until you see that beautiful little sac :)  We're all the same in that regard.  I'm sure it doesn't help having your doctor concerned about your numbers, but stay positive & I wish you my very best!!!  Please keep us posted!

[jhopeful]

So, I went for my first ultrasound.  The ges sac was in right place, everything else around it looked good too.  THey only saw the beginnings of a yolk though and no fetal pole.  They believe because my numbers started so low that this is all they would see.  I am waiting to hear back what my numbers are today.  They want me to come back 7-10 days for another ultrasound.  Hopefully they will see more then!  Has anyone else experienced low numbers in the beginning and only saw ges sac and yolk at 6 weeks and still had a viable pregnancy?  I am so nervous!  I just want some good news for once!

[LilyMF]

I have not experienced what you are going through, but I do wish you nothing but the best.  Have faith.

[jhopeful]

Thank you LIlyMF!

[mommyin10]

Congrats on seeing the sac!!! =) Yes, I've had this happen I'm pregnant with twins & at my first u/s (5 weeks) we only saw a sac.  The next u/s (6 weeks) we saw a heartbeat & were surprised by another sac!  We didn't see a heartbeat or anything other than the sac for the second baby until 7 weeks, 2 days =)  I'll be 20 weeks on Thurs! Stay positive & best wishes!!!  What was your beta yesterday?

[jhopeful]

You must have been really suprised to see that second one your next ultrasound! =) That was the first thing my husband asked? Is there two? haha.  We went through IVF and put three in!  So we were convinced we were going to end up with twins or triplets! =)  Well its very reassuring that only seeing the sac the first ultrasound is common.  Keeping my fingers crossed there will be more next week!