hcg levels, miscarriage, ivf HELP!

I am currently 5 1/2 weeks pregnant after our first attempt at IVF and should be really excited. However, I just rec'd the dreaded phone call that my "hcg numbers" are not where the doctor would like them to be and that they are not hopeful and this will probably end in a miscarriage. This is the second time this has happened to me and I am just wondering: 1. how important and accurate are those hcg levels, 2. what kind of tests can I do to see why this keeps happening (ie; blood test, diet, etc.) and 3. is there any hope..no bleeding, no cramping. Extremely frustrated, sad and depressed!

[AnnieBrooke]

They are saying this based on the overall hCG level at this point?  Or are they saying they have not doubled in 48 hours?  (Did you have a test followed by another in 2 days?)  

[vrgsmom]

Well, my numbers have doubled....just not as quickly as they would like them to. And unforutantely, I have to go back this week (I wish it was every 2 days...try every 7) the waiting is the hardest! And this is exactly what happened w/ my last M/C almost two years ago...however, my hCG numbers were much worse then. So who knows. My DH is hanging on to some hope....I am just frustrated and sad, but pushing on!

[kjbutcher]

you never know. HCG is not as accurate as some people like it to be.  The majority of people have the doubling hcg and take those numbers to heart.  I am not one of them.  With my first son my hcg only went up 25% and doubled in about 6 days.  this time around They doubled in 4 days.  both are viable pregnancies.  Actually the only time my hcg did double was when I had a miscarriage.    You should only have about 4-7 days to go before you can get a u/s to see where you stand.  that will be much more telling than blood work.  Good Luck to you!