Low HCG/Bleeding/4 Weeks

I am currently 4 weeks pregnant.  I have been spotting (brownish and only when going to the restroom) for some 4 days.  Saturday I had some minor cramping and some bleeding (bright red).  I called my dr and they did a quantitative HCG and progesterone test.  I have to go back on Wed. for follow-up.  My hcg is 214 but my prog. was only 5.8.  They have put me on progesterone suppositories.  I'm really concerned.  This is our 2nd pregnancy.  I've had no history of complications etc...I'm curious if all miscarriages normally end by heavy bleeding and cramping?  I have not had either.  I did pass some greyish/brown type tissue tonight.  No pain.  Any advice would be great - I'm a nervous wreck.

[deanne11]

I'm so sorry you are going through this.  I too went through that with the same hcg level at where you are.  Unfortunately in both cases I went on to have a natural m/c at 5.5 weeks.

I'm so sorry - I'm praying for you.

[cantwait4baby]

So sorry you are going through this.  From my own personal experience your signs are not very promising.  The fact that they are giving you the shots is a good sign, however, because if they thought you were carrying a non-viable pregnancy they would not do that.  I had the same symptoms with my first pregnancy and it ended in an ectopic.  Did you have an u/s to rule that out?  The low HCG and cramping is a sign of that.  If your baby is in your uterus then the shots can help you along.  I am currently pregnant and this one started the same way, bleeding, cramping, etc.  But they ruled out ectopic and my HCG was normal. - Good Luck!

[PHagin]

Good Morning everyone.  No, they didn't do an US.  They said it would be too soon to see anything.  I'm sure if my hcg or prog. levels go down - that will be the next step.  I'm not sure if I am imagining this - but I woke up this morning and just didn't 'feel' pregnant.  I keep passing little pieces of tissue (I'm sorry, TMI) that are kind of stringy.  Last night a pretty large piece passed. (Gosh, that is horrible to write.)  I'm trying to keep my chin up...but something feels wrong.

Thanks for the kind words.  Tomorrow is my appt.  I'll keep you both posted.

[projectbaby]

Good morning... I am going through the same thing...I also have low hCG and I am also 4 weeks.... I am not bleeding but I am cramping and the Dr. is also having me continue with the shots....until Thursday and then I will have blood drawn Thursday to see if they go up or down.... This is horrible, I know... I also woke up and am not feeling preggers... I feel like AF is coming.... which I am sure she is.... Did you also go through IVF???  
This is the second time I got preggo and my numbers have been low and not doubled...what is that all about??? has this happened to you???? Jacquie

[Jenny100]

Wow, I am sorry you are going through this. I can imagine the stress you are feeling.

You asked if all miscarriages happen by heavy bleeding and cramping. The answer is no.There is another kind of miscarriage called a "Missed Miscarriage." This is what happened to me. The baby dies, but your body does not expel it. You don't feel any pain.Weeks can even go by, and then the Dr discovers that there is no heartbeat. You can wait even a few more weeks, and your body may STILL not expel it. Then you have to have a D&C, which is where the baby and everything else is taken out of you.

I hope so badly for you that everything is okay. I will keep you in my prayers tonight.

Please let us know any news you find out.

[projectbaby]

Did you ever figure out why the low levels and what have the Drs. done about this??? just curious and I am sorry for your loses as well....

[PHagin]

I have called my OB this morning.  I have not gone through IVF.  The ironic thing is that it seems that I have no problems getting pregnant.  I have a 3 yr old and I got pregnant immediately with him.  I just never even entertained the thought of something not working out w/this pregnancy.  I'm just overwhelmed this morning.  My son's birthday is tomorrow and I just don't know how to grieve for something and at the same time celebrate.  I feel numb.

I am spotting now - bright red.  I feel like I'm about to start.  No more pregnancy symptoms...it feels like it is all just ending.

[cantwait4baby]

As I said in my previous post I too lost a baby at around 5 weeks (twins actually) and I too had no problem conceiving them.  It was planned and the loss was devistating.  Whatever anyone said did not help except for this it may or may not help you feel better:

The doctor told me that a m/c is your body's way of rejecting a baby when it is not being formed correctly.  Meaning major defects that the embryo just cannot survive and that 1 in 5 pregnancies end in a m/c due to this.  1 in 5 it sounds crazy but it is true I researched everything to figure out why I lost them and the 1 in 5 just made me feel normal that somehow it just happens.  

Try not to be so sad on your 3yr olds B-Day, everything will be ok...  Heartbreaking but ok.  So sorry for your loss and still praying that maybe this is not what it looks like.

[PHagin]

Thank you for the kind thoughts and words.  I know you are right about that - if it isn't meant to be - there is a reason even if we can't quite understand it.  I have to get my hcg and prog tested in the morning.  I should have the results by the end of the day.  I'll just be glad to finally know for sure.