Beta progression and relation to ectopic pregnancy?

I underwent my first IVF cycle last month.  3 embyos were transferred on a 3 day transfer after retrieval.  2 of the embryos were 6 cell and one a 4 cell.

At 11 days past my 3 day transfer my beta HCG reading was 11 per the blood test.  2 days later my beta HCG climbed to 56.  My doctor isn't sure that this is a positive sign and indicated that it might turn out to be a ectopic pregnancy.  Isn't the fact that my HCG level more than doubled in the first 48-72 hours a good sign.  What would cause my doctor to think this might be an ectopic pregnancy?

I go in for another beta in a few days.  What can the next beta HCG level indicate...i.e. if it's higher or lower what does that mean.

Also, what methods can be used to rule out an ectopic pregnancy?  I've heard only an ultrasound analysis can help....but how....viewing of sacs or heartbeat??  And at how many weeks can you get confirmation of whether it is or isn't a normal pregnancy.

Your input would be greatly appreciated.  I'm thoroughly confused!!  Thanks.

[JustME9]

I have to say I've had an ectopic.  The only way they will be able to rule out ectopic is via ultrasound.  They will keep checking as your numbers rise until they can see something or NOT see something in the uterus.  My ectopic HCG levels rose normally but we never saw a baby in utero...The first indication of my ectopic was my low progesterone (not ALWAYS an indication of ectopic BUT a red flag ) Unfortunately there's not much to do but wait and hope for the best.  Hopefully everything is just fine...Best wishes!

[firsttimearound]

I don't know much about the levels, although someone posted a good website for lab values a fews days ago if you look back through the threads. Like the earlier post said, they can see if your pregnancy implanted inside the uterus or not with ultrasound; I think your HCG levels have to be 1000-2000 before they can see a gestational sac. I hope everything goes well; keep us posted.

[tura]

I got my first u/s done at 5 weeks and they detected the heartbeat then and saw the she was in the right spot.  I think that sometimes 5 weeks is a little early for the heartbeat, I've heard of some women not seeing it that early, waiting a week, and then it appeared.  I hope this helps.  Good luck to you, hang in there, and keep us posted!

[nanakay]

wow now i am really confused...i didn't think ectopic was even possible with IVF.  
i always thought that ectopic was when the egg got stuck in the tube on the way down and just decided to set up shop there??

if the egg is retreived then fertilized then replaced back into the uterus....how does it get  into the tube??
~nanci

[JustME9]

I guess from what I read and my doctor told me, it's rare, but you can have ectopic w/ IVF...I can't quite explain how but she explained it and it is rare, but can happen.  Another thing I didn't know is that ectopic is not just in the tubes but ANYWHERE the baby implants not IN the uterus..and I think she said rarely it implants at the cervix??? Just my understanding but wow.

[pidgen22]

i have had two eptopic and i know my signs when i have one i dont think you can have eptopic in the tubes with ivf but it can also occure outside of the uterus, some ivf treatments also include the egg travelling down the tubes depends what you had done, the levels seem normal to me but maybe because you had hcg injections it should have been higher or maybe the doctor expected two babies? you will have to ask your doctor

[nanakay]

thanks for the info...you know what they say, learn something new everyday.
~nanci

[mgi]

HI
With my IVF  I had to sign saying the risk of ectopic is higher?  How I don't know.  They do put it in th etop of teh uterus - it must move down th ehorn sometimes.  Your doctor should have told you they will do an ultrasound in 12-14 days to make sure you have 1 or 2 sacs and they are in uterus  (they told me rising too high can mean twins or ectopic)  godd luck and keep us postes