Slowly rising HcG levels - help please?

[rumsy]

Hi ladies,

I posted this Q in the Ask the doctor forum but didn't hear from the docs but another TTC lady very helpfully responded. I wanted to post in this forum since I am going crazy and hoping to get some answers based on your experience and knowledge.

I'm 31 years old and My DH & I have been TTC for 1 1/2 years now. I had my first IUI April 11th, following which I had my first Hcg beta test April 27th, which was 18. I took 2 HPts and they were positive as well.

The second test was on April 30th and the level only rose to 20. The third beta was taken Friday (May 4) and was 35. Does this mean I am pregnant or not? I'm confused because the levels are rising slowly but not doubling and not as high as they are meant to be? Here's some more info:

1. My LMP was March 28th
2. About 10 days post IUI, I've been feeling very tired (especially in the evenings) and need to urinate frequently
3. I've also had mild cramping on and off, not on the sides, but in the center
4. I've been on 200mg progesterone suppositories since the day post IUI (Apr 12th) and my progesterone level is currently 23

The nurse at the RE's office says that this might be a chemical pregnancy and will likely not stick...but why are the levels still rising? I'm so confused. She asked me to continue the suppositories until Monday morning, when I will have my 4th HCG beta test. At what levels would that test mean that I am pregnant or not? Thank you SO much.

[willsmom]

I really don't have any positive light to shed on this matter.  It looks like we were on the same cycle this month.  LMP was March 28th.  I got +OPK on CD12, had IUI on CD13, & got a +HPT on April 21.  On April 23 (14dpiui), beta hcg was 105 and on April 25 was 274. In March 06, I had a m/c at 6 weeks and my hcg levels on that day were 208, and the dr. said it was most likely a chemical pregnancy since my hcg levels were so low for 6 weeks.

I really hope things turn around for you.  You'll be in my prayers.