I'm Back Already Because...........

I'm Pregnant!!!!  I was suppose to start my period on Sunday and it didn't arrive.  I went to the doctors yesterday for a blood test and it came back positive.  I do however, have a question.  The blood test was done one day after I missed my period and the hcg level came back at 42.  This seems low to me, but the doctor said it was just fine with how far along I was.  I go in tomorrow for another blood draw and hopefully it's doubling the way it should.  Does this number seem low to anyone else?  Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[stillhopeful]

That is wonderful news. I lurk a lot here but wanted to say Congratulations!!!!  Did you feel like AF was going to start?  Just curious?  I don't know much about the HCG levels but I think there is some stuff on the internet that shows what levels should be.  I am sure the doctor is right!!!

[Buckeye1]

Thank you.  I was feeling like AF was going to start 3 days before it was suppose to come, but the cramping has pretty much went away.  The only thing that's been bothering me is that I've had lower back pain, which is very normal when I do have AF.  I've also had some very, very light pink spotting on and off since Friday, but that's pretty much went away too.  I'm trying to keep a postive attitude, but I'm a little nervous since I lost my twin boys at 18 weeks last October.  But this is a new start and I'm praying for the best!

[sthomab]

When I first found out I was pregnant I had low HCG levels.  I was due for AF on 11/9 (I was always a 28 day cycle).  I had a blood test on 11/13 that showed not pregnant.  I had another blood test on 11/17 and it had a level of 10.  I was paranoid because I thought this was way to low.  The doctor had me do blood test every other day for a week and they went up repesctively to 32, 140, 534, 1664.  I am know 27 weeks pregnant and everything seems to be just fine with the pregnancy.  So in my opinion I dont think that number is too low.  You just need to see if they are doubling to be sure.  I will be praying that those numbers double like they should.  Congratulations on the BFP!  Suzie

[karen23]

i am very happy to hear your news!  congrats.  i don't know anything about HCG levels either, but some of the others know and will probably post later.  good luck and congratulations!

[Metallic_Angel1]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Just had to let you know that i was happy for you... I dont think that levelis too low as long as it is going up! Have funa nd be happy!

ANna

[Emma1]

OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats!!!! I'm so happy for you!!!!!!! I know you're just busting inside!!! It's been a long, bumpy ride for you, but hopefully now you can coast on through. I'm so excited for you!!!! Keep me posted on how you do!!!!

[Missy04]

Congratulations.  Have a happy and healthy 9 months.

[guinea920]

Congrats on you BFP!!!  You enjoy it! You are fine!

[KatyH]

Congratulations!!!  That is wonderful news!!  I wanted to share this link with you which shows beta levels for each week - yours are perfectly normal.  

http://www.inciid.org/betas.html

Congrats!!! Katy

[cheesetoo]

buckeye,

I have been thinking of you and now you have the best news.  I am so happy for you.

[micheleB]

Here is a chart I found:
The "normal" ranges for the Beta hCG blood pregnancy test are shown in the table below.
  
Week from the Last Mentral Period  Amount of HCG in mIU/ml
3 5 -50
4 3 - 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

Because of the wide variation in values, the test is not useful in establishing the gestational age of a pregnancy.

Beta hCG levels should double approximately every 2 days for the first four weeks of pregnancy [2]. As pregnancy progresses the doubling time increases. By 6 to 7 weeks gestation beta hCG levels may take as long as 3 1/2 days to double [3,4]. You can use the calculator below to calculate the doubling time of two beta hCG samples by entering the date of the blood test and the corresponding beta hCG value for that day. If the hCG level is declining the the half life of the hormone will be calculated.

As you can see the ranges are quite extreme.  The most important factor is if it is doubling at the proper rate.

Congratulations and Good luck!!

[Kristen26]

Congratulations!!! That is sooooooo awesome!! I'm so happy for you!! Now I'm convinced, everyone has gotten pregnant except me, I must be next!!!

[blondie72]

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  A lot of BFP's lately.  Let's all say a prayer that they are all here to stay.  Congratulations to you.  Just like hope2beamommy I will pray for you as well.  Was this done naturally or did you have the IUI???  I couldn't remember.  Anyway I guess it doesn't really matter because you got your BFP.   How exciting.  Hand in there and enjoy these next these next 9 months.  Take Care

[Buckeye1]

I just want to thank everyone for all your kinds words and positive energy.  After being pregnant and losing my sons at 18 wks. it's hard to stay positive, but I'm going to do my best to enjoy this pregnancy and not stress myself out.  Thanks again to everyone for being so supportive!

[cmn]

Congratulations of your BFP i will keep you in my prayers, i can't wait to see how your Dr appointment goes tomorrow. Good Luck.

[dawnna]

CONGRATS on your BFP!!!!! Im so happy for you:) Have a happy healthy nine months!
Dawnna