Would like others experience

[Debra_Maine]

I got my hcg levels from last week (doc was on vacation). I would like to know what you guys think, the doc said they are good, but they didn't quite double the last time, so it makes me nervous. I was at 25,757 on the 7th. On the 11th I was 52,270.7 and on the 15th I was 89,923.0. Shouldn't it have been around 104,000? I'd appreciate hearing what you guys have had. I had blood drawn again today and will get the results this afternoon, but it's only 74 hours from the last check so I'm sure it won't be doubled, but as long as it has risen, that's good right? Atleast I made it through the 7th week which is more than last time. Thanks!

[jennimom]

My understanding was that over 6000 it can take OVER 96 hours to double.  So I wouldn't worry as it is way up there and still rising.  I am also 7 weeks today and happy to have made it this far.  The dr did not run any more blood tests last week when I went in.  They did the u/s and that was it.  You get your u/s next week?  

BTW, how are your pg symptoms.  My breasts hurt so bad I have to wear a sports bra AT ALL TIMES!  And the nausea is almost constant (though at least no vomiting).  

Finally, are you on progestone also (I am)?  My fiance was doing some research (good guy that he is) and saw a report that it may be linked to premature births.  Have you heard of that?  jenni

[Debra_Maine]

I am 8 weeks either today, tomorrow or Wednesday. We are very close! I have my u/s this Wednesday and provided we see a h/b, I don't think they'll be checking my numbers anymore. My pregnancy symptoms have been very similar to yours. My boobs didn't hurt as much this morning as they have been and I panicked, but now they are really starting to hurt again. I also wear a sports bra at night, but take it off while I sleep (I have to feel free!) So far the pain during the night is bearable. I am on Prometrium capsules 200mg 2x a day. I have not heard about premature birth. My sister was on it and my niece was only 5 days early. I wouldn't worry about that. It will do much more good than bad. My doc said it can't hurt you. I have nausea almost constantly, but it does lessen if I'm not eating. When I eat, right after, forget about it! Thanks for the reassuring words. I know it can take more than 96 hours to double. I know that intellectually. Emotionally I'm scared to death. I had a m/c on July 27 and this was my first try after that and I got pg, so it wasn't that long ago that I went through the m/c and I so don't want to go through that again. Is this your first pg?

[jennimom]

This is the fourth pg this year!  Last m/c was Aug. 6th, so not that long ago.  I have a 7 year old daughter and had no problems having her.  This time seems to be different.  I am older (37) and have developed a high ACA.  Sounds like I am almost a week behind you.  Have many of the same worries!  The losses were substantial and traumatic!  I am further now than any of them and the hb (at 111) from the u/s was reassuring.  The dr. (fertility dr.) was not worried.  I go to the high risk ob next Tuesday for a regular prenatal.  I don't think they will test the hcg anymore, so look forward to getting out of the numbers game on Wednesday.  I hope all goes well for you.

My nausea is also most of the time now.  Funny thing is I will eventually get hungry, then after I eat a bit  . . . everything around me smells horrible and I can't stand to be around it!  Went to Chilli's on Saturday and the bbq sauce, A-1 sauce, buffalo chicken and green peppers . . . The smell was offensive and I had to have all food moved away from me.  At least I've not gained any weight yet!

And yes, lovin the sports bras!  jenni

[Debra_Maine]

This is farther than I got before too, so that makes me happy. It's funny, I had to go to the lunchroom to track down an employee and she was eating a hamburger that smelled so disgusting to me. I'm sorry you have gone through this 4 times. I can't imagine. I am 38 and that's why they let me take the progesterone and I take baby aspirin too. I didn't feel I had time to have another m/c before they do something. Do you know for a fact it was the progesterone that caused your m/c?

[Christie2004]

I'm really surprised they are still checking your levels at this point...once they are that high and you've heard the heartbeat and all is going well, levels don't add anything to pregnancy management-high risk or not.  They won't necessarily double in 48-72 hours as others have mentioned, so why do them?  Doesn't mean anything if they do or don't double now.

Congrats on making it this far!  Hope it is smooth sailing now!

[jennimom]

The drs are not sure exactly what the cause of the m/c could be.  All the tests were done and the only abnormal was the ACA levels, so I have heparin shots twice a day and baby aspirin.  The progesterone is just for good measures I guess, the dr. said that the prometrium can't hurt and might help.  So, no affirmation as to what caused the m/cs.  The possibility is just the losses were "bad luck".  I am hoping such is the case and that this one goes uneventfully otherwise.

It is odd how things that used to be my favorites, now I can't be around.  My fiance offered sunny-side-up eggs this weekend, and the thought of eggs done any way was so unappealing!  Haven't had lunch yet, and wondering what I might actually be willing to eat!  Jenni

[Debra_Maine]

Christie - I have not had my u/s yet, so no h/b yet. I am the one asking to have my numbers checked. I felt so blindsided by the last m/c and had I been checking the numbers I would've known that for 3 weeks I wasn't really pregnant, just walking around waiting to m/c. It's only for my peace of mind. The doc said he would've stopped when I was at 11000.  Make sense?

Jenni - I find it hard to believe it's just bad luck, but what do I know. So far so good for both of us!!! What are ACA levels?

[Christie2004]

Gotcha.  
So glad everything is going well.

[jennimom]

ACA is an anticardiolipin, its one of the auto-immune tests that the fertility drs give you.  Apparently it is associated with a clotting disorder, though I don't have any signs of that.  My only potential effect from it may be the m/c.  However, the dr. say that it is more associated with late terms pregnancy probs than early preg losses.  So, who knows.  Not a whole lot is known about it, but I am glad that it was not severely high (normal is less than 10 and I am at 24) and that I don't have any other blood problems that have shown themselves yet.  If you take the heparin shots, then the dr says the risk is eliminated.  Seems to me that the drs try and eliminate as many risks as possible to give the pg a chance if it is meant to be.

So far so good though!  Don't worry too much about the hcg numbers.  I am glad that I am not testing for that any longer, sense of freedom from it.  From the numbers, I'd hope for good things from your u/s.  jenni

[Debra_Maine]

Thanks guys!

[Christie2004]

Top parenting problems addressed.  Sounds very good!

[Kassimom]

I LOVE Dr. Phil's parenting shows!!!