another question about HCG levels

[kittymommy]

Has anyone ever experienced slowly increasing HCG levels?  I am 6 weeks 3 days.  My hormone levels are right within the ranges of where they should be, but my doubling time is very long.  I seem to double every 4 days rather than the normal 2.3 days.  Yesterday at 6 weeks 2 days my levels came out at 22,825 which is right within the expected range.  My doctor doesn't seem that concerned as long as I'm not having any pain, cramping or bleeding.  The good news is that they ARE increasing, but it just seems so slow to do so.  Could my body just be slower than average in creating this hormone?  Has anyone experienced this and gone on to have a healthy pregnancy?  I go for my first US on Monday 11/22, I am driving myself crazy until then!  The vast majority of information on the internet does say the average is 48 hours to double, but I have found a few sites that say that once your levels are above 6000, the doubling time increases to 96 hours.  By my calculations, I'm right at about 85 hours to double.

[Abacus]

I really wish I could help you but I have no idea.  I never thought being pregnant would make me so worried about everything!

From the sounds of all of these posts, all women are quite individual when it comes to their pregnancies so if you doc isn't concerned, try not to worry...easier said than done!

Good luck.

[Myah's Mom]

Hi Kitty Mommy,
I experienced a mc in July, and was equally wrapped up in my hcg levels. My levels eventually started to drop, however, which is never good, as I understand it. When I was trying to come to grips with my hcg levels and the doubling rate, I came across this page, which I found really helpful. Just plug in your figures, and away you go!
The important thing to remember is that there is a WIDE range of normal, and you are right-levels are not expected to double every 48 hours once you hit a certain point. Best of luck-can't wait to hear about your ultrasound.

Myah's Mom
http://www.ivfer.com/hcg.htm

[Debra_Maine]

With this pregnancy (11wks 6days), my levels took almost 96 hours to double after 11000. I stopped going every 48 hours and had them checked every 96 hours so that I didn't upset myself. As long as they double in atleast 96 hours, I wouldn't worry. Your numbers are high and going up. That is a very good sign. Ultimately though, it's the u/s that will tell you how things are going. When are you having your first u/s?

[jennimom]

I agree with Debra, it really can take a long time to double when the levels get up there.  Its the number watching that makes you nuts!  I wouldn't worry unless you've got bleeding or the numbers are declining.  Sounds like all is fine.  There will be a point where they don't check any more.  Then you'll be looking for the hb!  Jenni