Normal HCG progression?

I had my HCG level tested on Monday and it was at 1400, two days later on Wednesday I had a follow up test done to see if they were doubling and it was only 2000.  My doctor is convinced I will miscarry (I've already had one, this would be my second).  Should it double in 48 hours, or could it take 72?  Should I get a second opinion next week?  I thought at the very least my doctor would have a follow up test, but she didn't, she's ready to do a D&C.  I'm not ready to give up yet.  Anyone else have this happen?  Is there still hope for my baby?

[Berko]

i don't know what's with the drs. i'm hearing about lately on this site. they're all ready to jump at the chance to do a d&c. I don't like it one bit. I'm not trying to get your hopes up - if your dr. says it doesn't look great he's basing it on medical knowledge so of course you should be concerned, but i wouldn't be ready to just give up yet. i think from what i've read on here that usually should double within 48-72 hours. someone feel free to correct me if i'm wrong. what week are you in? has he seen anything on an u/s? is he just basing his feelings of m/c on the bloodwork? are you having any other symptoms of m/c? i really hope that this pregnancy does end up healthy, but if not know that we're here for you, but in the meantime don't jump the gun just yet and get the d&c. i would say definitely do follow up testing and if your dr. doesn't want to do it or is sure of what he's telling you i would definitely go for a second opinion. personally, i don't like it when drs. just write things off without more follow up and double checking. i know when my dr. told me looks like going to m/c - he didn't say for sure and no hope, but he did say it didn't look good and told me what he was basing it on - and then he followed up with me. i happened to m/c both times right after the appointments that suggested to him m/c, but had i not right away he would have seen me to see what was doing and then even after i did and it was natural he checked to make sure everything passed and everything going properly. he didn't run to schedule me a d&c. what's with this running for the d&cs? i just don't get it. please keep me posted.

[wantone]

Did you have an ultrasound done? How far along are you (just wondering what your numbers should be at)?  I had a D&C due to MC two months ago but that was mostly determined after the ultrasound, my HCGs were fine, but it was the ultrasound that indicated I needed a D&C. I have seen other women post on here that their doctors are happy if the numbers continue to rise. Hope everything goes okay with you!

[AnnieBrooke]

The doubling time that is considered acceptable at hCG levels from 1200 to 6000 is 72 - 96 hours.  Your times with the two numbers you gave indicate doubling in 93 or so hours.  Though this is not exactly racing, it is still within the acceptable range.  Berko is right, don't take some doctor's word for it who is rushing to the operating room.  Insist on another pair of beta-hCGs, and on an ultrasound or even two, before doing something irrevocable like a D&C.  There is no guarantee that doubling in 93 hours is fine, but it IS still in the (high end of the) acceptable range, and it just seems like your doctor is being really hasty.

[Jenny77]

I also don't want to give false hope, but it sounds like your doc is jumping the gun a little. Although your hcg didn't quite double in 48 hours, sometimes it is a little slower. At 2,000, for a normal pregnancy that is about 6 weeks (give or take a few days), and at 2,000 is teh earliest you could possibly see a heartbeat. My advice would be to wait a week or two then have an u/s. I say wait at least a week for the u/s because you can't always see a heartbeat that early, and if their equipment is older, it may not be strong enough to pick up the HB like a newer machine could. If your doc is already negative about the prospects of your pregnancy, and he sees just a sac, that may make him even more want to give you a D&C. They could also keep testing your hcg to see how it goes. Personally I don't think D&Cs should be done before 8 weeks (even then it can be really early) because there are so many things that could happen (dates could be off etc). I hope it goes well for you, and don't ever be afraid to go to another doctor or get a second opinion (from a different office) if your doc is forceful about the early D&C.

[dpugirl11]

I think I'm just at six weeks, either Wednesday or Thursday was six weeks I think, I'm not 100% certain because I think I ovulated late last month so I can't tell exactly from my LMP, but I think this is pretty close.

Thanks for all of your support, I really appreciate it.  I think you are right, wait till 8 weeks before a D&C, it's a major procedure, I don't want to do it unless I have to, you know?