HCG Blood level count

[Brendalee30]

I just recently found out that I am pregnant.   I have a very irregular cycle, so I had a blood test done to see where my HCG level was at, I can't remember the exact number now but the doctor said that It showed I was between 12-14 weeks.  The problem that I have is that when I had the sonogram done the size of the fetus was only measuring out to be six weeks.  I have to go back in four days for more testing but I feel like I'm going to go insane by then.  My question is can the HCG blood level just have been high?  Is there a chance that the fetus is okay?  The doctor said that there can be a chance that the fetus isn't viable and stop growing.  Another question I have is if this is so how long can this non viable fetus stay inside of me before my body would reject it?  The last one is if the fetus isn't viable would I still feel like I'm pregnant, I mean keep getting the pregnancy symptoms.

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

hCG values can vary widely.  The best assessment of the age of your pregnancy will be by ultrasound.  Find out what the follow up scan shows.  It should be clear whether this is a viable pregnancy or a missed abortion (a embryonic demise that has yet to pass).  A woman's womb can "hold on to" a demised pregnancy for weeks.  Typically a miscarriage will occur within two weeks of a loss.  Also, one can have an embryonic loss, but the placental tissue continuing to grow.  That can explain still feeling pregnant and/or an hCG level rising when there is a demise.

Best regards,

Dr. Downing

[Brendalee30]

I don't think its twins because I only saw one, as far as miscarrying there has been no sign or indications, mo bleedign cramps or anything.  All they were worried about was the high hcg level not being compatible with the size of the fetus.  Anyway I go tommorrow for another ultrasound.  Thank you for your kind thoughts and words.  I will keep you posted as soon as I find out.

[Scooby23]

I really wouln't fret too much about HCG levels.  I had mine checked a few weeks ago and was told I was to think realistically in the fact that I would probably miscarry again,and I was driving myself nuts because my GP would not send me for a scan.  Anyway, I went up to A&E and moaned, and they booked me in for a scan 5 days later, which showed a healthy bub.  I am now 10 weeks and have no signs of threatened miscarriage.

[elaine1972]

I agree about the possibility of twins with high levels.  Also, levels vary so much and the normal ranges are REALLY wide from what I have read so you may just be at the high end.  More than likely if you had a missed m/c your levels would be falling at least a little and you would have some signs of m/c.  I have had 3 m/c one of which was at 11 wks and baby was only 9 wks w/no heartbeat.  After the sonogram revealed this (done due to tiny amount of spotting and not hearing hb on doppler) it was 3 more days before I started to have actual m/c and then had to have d&c because I didn't pass all tissue.  I think you would have had some indication within the 6-8 wk discrepancy in size versus gestational age.  I think they are probably misinterpreting your hcg level but I'm not a doctor so just try to hang in there until your next test.  Did they do a vaginal u/s or just regular--at 6 wks you can SOMETIMES see a heartbeat so have them do this if they haven't.  Best of luck to you and I hope you and baby are just fine!

[mamaofonetrying42]

What did they see in your ultrsound? At six weeks its early, you maybe having twins thats why HCG are higher then normal.

If the fetus is no longer viable/stop growing then you had a missed m/c.Everyone is different. I missed m/c at 9-10weeks baby stoped a 7week, I waited 4 days to see if I could m/c on my own. But I didnt and need a d&c. And yes, you could still be getting symptoms. Mine didnt go away intill 2weeks after my d&c.

I wouldnt worried just let!! Hope for the best at your next u/s!!