borderline heart rate and hCG

[preg2004]

At 6w3d my embryo's heart rate is only around 100 (OB's estimate, not counted by machine), and my hCG has been rising, but slowly (1500, then 3800 a week later, then 4500 2 days later, then 5400 2 days after that).  I realize these are not good signs (and I've also had low progesterone, but I'm on supplements now), but I'm not clear how bad it is.  It seems to me that if the heart rate were 10-20 slower, that would be really bad, but some websites suggest 100 could be just the very low end of normal (plus there's some room for human error in the rate).  I've also heard of low hCG leading to a healthy pregnancy, and at least it's still rising.  I'm having the heart rate checked by a fancier machine on Wednesday, when I'll be 7w1d, and I'm hoping for a higher heart rate by then.  I'd be satisfied with anything over 130 (by comparison with yesterday's).  Any thoughts on the likelihood that will happen?  In addition to checking the heart rate, should I still be checking the hCG at that point?  How common is it to have results like mine and still go on with a healthy pregnancy???

[capermom]

Hi, sorry you are so worried, I know exactly how you feel. As fare as him making a mistake counting, yes it's very possible. The baby's heart has just started beating, it may take a few days to get to full spead. Doctors don't know everything and everyone is different with every pregnancy. As far as you levels, yes they are going up and this is a great sign. My doc doesn't believe in taking the levels because he's seen them doubling and then m/c happening and also saw them not double and healthy pregnancies go on. So don't give up yet. As long as you aren't bleeding or cramping, don't give up. I know how hard it is to wait. At least you have heard a heartbeat. I'm on my 3rd pregnancy in 8 months, I lost the first two. I'm about 5-6 weeks. All I've had done is my levels, they were over 5000 on Monday past and I'm waiting to hear what they were on Weds so I can compare them. I'll keep my fingers crossed for both of us. Oh, do you have any symptoms of pregnancy right now?

[Still_AndiJ]

Ultrasounds are the gold standard for fetal diagnosis, but the hcg numbers are a bit troubling. Are they all being performed by the same lab? With my 4th m/c, I kept getting creeping numbers, but they were no where near the doubling they needed to be and eventually we lost the pregnancy.

This is one reason we opted to not do the numbers game with this pg, too many variables and stress accompany those results. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and hope they have an answer for you soon.


Andrea