Low Levels of HCG

I am 8 weeks pregnant. Had IUI on 7/21/04 and last period was on 7/10/04.  The doctor conducted an ultrasound and saw a strong heart beat, however, does not feel the fetus is developing normally by the size.  Went for HCG blood test on Tuesday, 8/31 and level was 35,000.  Went again Friday, Sept. 3 and level was 48,000.  The doctor would like it to have doubled.  Now he recommends I have CVS test.  

Should I be concerned that there is chance of Downs Syndrome or other complications that would cause termination or miscarriage?

Please help. Thanks.

[Niki73]

Your HCG levels should be doubling about every 48hours...at least up until 11 weeks...I never saw a heart beat before I would miscarry but after having one miscarraige (miscarriage) they started to chart my HCG levels and sure enough as soon as they stopped doubling I would miscarry....We eventually found out through tons of testing and three miscarriages later that my body did not produce enough progesterone to support a pregnancy....Did he mention that at all to you? I had the injections twice a week up until week 11 and did have a healthy baby and am working on baby number two with the same process.....You should have the testing done just to ease your mind.....I would be concerned a little but maybe you ovulated later then you thought and that's why the fetus is smaller in size????

[lizanne]

I am ttc and I have not ovulated this month.  Niki73-- did you start taking the progesterone immediately?  My doc gave me a bunch of progesterone suppositories.  I am waiting to ovulate and I after 2 miscarriages, I am worried that I won't start the prog soon enough.  Can you start taking it before you conceive?

[Niki73]

Lizanne I have read people on this forum who did start the suppositories before they were pregnant. But my doctor gives me the progesterone in the form of a shot. So he has me wait until I test positive and then has me come in right away and we start the shots twice a week 200mg each shot all the way until week 11. He says it helps support my pregnancy because my body does not produce enough on it's on so my HCG levels always read low until I start to get the shots. Actually with this pregnancy I had symptons right after conception which is unusual for me because of the fact my HCG levels are usually low so I went in before I was even due to miss my cycle and the blood test was positive and the HCG levels were higher then he had ever seen them but we did the shots anyway...So I don't think it would hurt to start the suppositories early.... I am just so thankful for the shots because so far it has given me a beautiful little girl and another baby on the way....I swear by those shots...You know I need to ask my doctor exactly what medicine is in the shot because I don't know that it is progesterone but it helps to raise my progesterone and HCG level!!!We can find out the sex of our baby today but we have decided to wait! We waited with our daughter but this time around I'm having such a hard time waiting!!!!Good Luck to you...when you become pregnant it will be your first???

[Sheb]

I appreciate everyone's input with regard to my situation. I have been taking prometrium since I had my first blood test confirming I was pregnant. I take two a day until 9/29/04.  The blood test showed my progesterone level was perfect, however, the HCG did not double.  I have not had any spotting just minor cramping.  

This is our first and we have tried for 4 years.  Which maybe, compared to some of you, is not that long.  I got pregnant by superovulation and HCG shots.

I can't understand why I would have a strong heartbeat, but my levels are low. Maybe the doctors made a mistake with regard to my dates.  I will have to wait until my 12th week when I get the CVS test done.  I think I will feel better.

Any input is much appreciated.  Good luck and my prayers are with everyone for healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.

[Sheb]

Thanks for your response.  I have been taking prometrium since my first blood test confirming the pregancy.  My recent blood test showed my progesterone level was perfect I believe 58 or something.  

I don't know that I should worry so much about the HCG level as it does slow down about 10 weeks or so?  

I don't have any bleeding or spotting and have not since I became pregnant.  I can't imagine there being a real problem since I saw the heart beat and the doctor said it was strong. I has another US next Friday so we can see how the baby is developing.  

I hate all the worry I feel and can't wait until the CVS test is done in another 4 weeks.  

Any response is appreciated and my prayers are with you.

[lovinmom]

Go to these web-sites.  There are some women there who might be able be able to help you.  I wish you the best.  Let us know how things go.


http://home.earthlink.net/~misdiagnosed/

http://bbs.babycenter.com/board/pregnancy/prenatalhealth/1311584/thread/1355499?i=110#go

[JSIGSAL]

HI I AM NEW AND I HAVE A VERY BIG QUESTION.  DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW LOW THEIR PROGESTERONE LEVEL WAS.  MY HCG LEVEL IS 90, AND PROGESTERONE IS 6.9.  THEY ARE ESTIMATING I AM LIKE 2 WEEKS.  DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW LOW YOUR PROGESTERONE IS BEFORE THEY CONSIDER THE PREGNANCY NOT VIABLE?  I STARTED TAKING PROGESTERONE FROM THE FIRST DAY I WAS POSITIVE AT HCG OF 90.  DO YOU THINK I CAUGHT IT IN TIME?  HOW WILL I KNOW?  THANK YOU SO MUCH, PLEASE REPLY OR EMAIL ME DIRECTLY.  JSIGSAL

[lovinmom]

Go to http://home.earthlink.net/~misdiagnosed/

For info and links about hcg levels.  There are some women there who know a lot about this and will be able to answer your questions.  I hope it goes well.

[shan13]

i need to know how low your hcg count is supose to be to know that i am still pregnant mine is 65 i dont know if thats good or bad can some one help me

[IMONEY]

pos. preg. test 2 wks after inmplanting. level of HCG are not rasing fast they are slow. will this preg. end? took home preg. test gave neg. result. went thur IVF, embros was implanted on 6/1, 6/15 blood drawn with a pos. preg. level of 39. every 2 days have my blood drawn level stayed the same , the next time i rised a little