U/S normal for 5.5 weeks, but high HCG

[katieandcats]

I went in today for an U/S (I think I'm a little less than 6 weeks pregnant).  We saw one sac and a likely fetal pole and "fluttering" heartbeat.  No problem, except for the fact that my HCG was over 1800 almost a week ago.  It rose very quickly (from 125 five days earlier).  The doctor was concerned because what he saw (although it matched expected gestational age) did not match the HCG levels that I must be at now.  He took another test today and I'll get another u/s next week.  Is there any explanation for why HCG would be so high?  (I miscarried twins at 9 weeks about 9 months ago, so am clearly concerned.  No fertility drugs, no history of twins.)  I also have a small submucosal fibroid but the baby implanted away from it this time.  I will be right at my 35th b'day when this baby is (HOPEFULLY!) born.  Thanks so much!  This is incredibly difficult to wait.  

[YvetteY]

It looks like your hcg is in normal range ....if it were 80,000 at 6 weeks, then I'd be concerned, but looks like yours is in normal ranges.   I, however, think it's a singleton and not a twin.

[adgal]

Below is the chart for the normal HCG range during pregnancy. You can see the range is huge.  There are a couple of different reasons for it...multiples (yes, one can be hiding the first ultrasound), molar pregnancy or partial molar pregnancy (not very common).  Also, just one of those things.  My OB told me that less and less is being made of HCG values, mainly because early ultrasound is a better way to date and keeping your eye on a pregnancy.  Chances are it is nothing to worry about.  Levels don't rise as quickly after 1200.  I went from 33 to 996 in a week (doubling every 24 hours), then slowed and only went from 996 to 4000 in a week (doubling every 84 hours).  So your levels may not have gone up as quickly as you think.  I m  bit surprised he would express concern without actually knowing what the levels are.  Try not to worry...when is your next ultrasound?







# 3 weeks LMP: 5 - 50 mIU/ml
# 4 weeks LMP: 5 - 426 mIU/ml
# 5 weeks LMP: 18 - 7,340 mIU/ml
# 6 weeks LMP: 1,080 - 56,500 mIU/ml
# 7 - 8 weeks LMP: 7, 650 - 229,000 mIU/ml
# 9 - 12 weeks LMP: 25,700 - 288,000 mIU/ml
# 13 - 16 weeks LMP: 13,300 - 254,000 mIU/ml
# 17 - 24 weeks LMP: 4,060 - 165,400 mIU/ml
# 25 - 40 weeks LMP: 3,640 - 117,000 mIU/ml
# Non-pregnant females: <5.0 mIU/ml
# Postmenopausal females: <9.5 mIU/ml

[katieandcats]

Thank you so much for taking the time to write these comments.  It did seem odd to me that he would express concern when we're seeing what I expected to see.  He is THE high-risk guy for the Cleveland Clinic so I certainly trust him, but am thinking I may be over-reacting.  It's so hard to make sense of all this!  I read and read, but I know everyone is different.  I guess a doc just expects that a certain HCG should show a certain thing.  He was calm about it, but after my last experience...just hearing, "I'm a little concerned" was enough to get my brain in a panic.  My husband is so calm about it all, too.  It's like he just stays even and I ride the fertility/pregnancy rollercoaster!  Thanks again.  I've learned so much through women's experiences on these posts.  

[katieandcats]

Ok, update...I found out that my HCG yesterday was over 12,000.  It's increasing perfectly, but he really thinks he should see more development if it's that high.  I go back on Monday for another u/s.  He said we just may have mis-dated.  Please let me know if you've gone through anything like this or have any words of wisdom!  Thank you!!!  Katie
P.S. He said it's not molar (because he would've seen indications on the ultrasound. ) I do have a pain on the right side, so I have to wonder if it could be twins with one stuck in the tube, but he said he thought the pain was too far over to be related here.  It's right by my hip bone.  What a mystery!  

[mlb1234]

It sounds like he saw the fetal pole and heartbeat by u/s so in that sense you are in good shape and seeing what you are supposed to be seeing.  Usually the 5th week you will see the gestational sac but maybe no fetal pole.  By week 6-7 you should see the fetal pole and if you're lucky a heartbeat.  By week 8 you should get a heartbeat.  So if you are only 5 weeks it sounds like your development is very good  seeing both a fetal pole and hb.  Did he mention what the heartrate was??  I am not sure what the "likely" fetal pole means because if there is a heartbeat then there is definitely a fetal pole there!!  The hcg values vary so much that it seems it would be hard to gauge development by the hcg level except that they say you won't see anything on u/s until you are over 1000 or so.  Best of luck.  I am sure you are in good hands!

[katieandcats]

Thank you for taking the time to write.  That's the same thing I thought about HCG's...I didn't know they could gauge development by that.  I just knew it was important to have the rates rising well.  He didn't say any numbers for the heart rate.  He just said it's "flickering."   I cannot wait until Monday!  :)

[40smama]

Good luck on Monday!  With high levels like yours, they're bound to see everything. - jen

[selaiwa]

Good luck on your ultrasound!!

[katieandcats]

Ultrasound went great today!  We saw a strong heartbeat and s/he measured just right.  Still don't know why HCG increased so rapidly, but all is well!  

[selaiwa]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!  I am 9dpo and temps still rising.Hope to join you soon!

[ita17]

Congrats!  Sounds like everything is going like it should!  
You mentioned something that I have been wondering, & if anyone has any experience or thoughts I would LOVE to hear!
But, what would have happened had you had twins, & one implanted in your uterus, & the other in one of your tubes????  Would they have to do emergency surgery & be able to save the healthy little guy?