hcg levels and ultrasound at 7 weeks

[Michellie]

27 year old female with a past history of 1 miscarriage at 6 weeks (blighted ovum).  I am currently pregnant again at 7 weeks.  Because I had a miscarriage last time, my midwife has been monitoring my hcg levels twice a week.  Below are the results in the order they were taken each week:

5 weeks:  hcg 2921  
          hcg 2911   progesterone  7.4
6 weeks:  hcg 3282   progesterone  13
          hcg 4036

Since my levels were not doubling nor rising very much, they were concerned with a miscarriage or ectopic.  Therefore, I received an ultrasound at 6 weeks 1 day, which showed a good intrauterine sac with fetus that measured 6w1d with a heartbeat at 124 bpm. Location of everything in the uterus was said to be a in a good place / position in my uterus.  Needless to say, my midwife was surprised.

The midwives are still wanting to monitor my hcg levels each week and they are beginning to make me nervous and telling me that my levels are not increase how they would like them to, however, the levels are still rising.  Also, they did place me on progesterone suppositories twice a day during week 5 just in case.  I'm having no bleeding or cramping at all.

My overall questions are:  
1) Do my hcg numbers mean that much now that a viable pregnancy with a good heartbeat was found?
2) Doesn't your chance for miscarriage decrease once the heartbeat is found and am I at an increased risk of miscarriage since my hcg levels are doubling every 2-3 days?

[pixijal]

The u/s is supposed to override the blood work.  Yes, your chances of having a viable pregnancy after seeing a normal hb, are high.
It doesn't mean that your out of the woods yet.

I had levels that rose 60% in 48hrs, and the pregnancy failed after seeing a hb at 6weeks.
My best friend had levels that rose 50% in 48hrs, and she is due in 6 weeks, and having a boy.  

I would think an u/s in a week or so would be more reliable than more blood work....especially at this point, since a fetus can easily be found.
After 6 weeks, the levels don't double every 48hrs anymore.  

I would ask for another u/s.....just my OPINION.

[chetmanjazz]

I am 6 weeks from my LMP and i went into hospital with severe UPPER abdomen cramps on Monday after experiencing a very painful night. They gave me morphine for the pain and an internal US. They could only see a black liquid spot in the uterus. The sonographer said this was a pseudo sac and that it was probably ectopic. They then gave me surgery.keyhole but did nor find any baby in the tubes or anywhere around the uterus. My hcg levels were 19000 on the Tuesday. i have another internal straight after the surgery and that revealed a sac in the womb but with only a small black lump no HB. My hcg on Thurs had gone to 28000! They still think non viable, should I keep waiting, don't want another internal! I feel very sick now and pregnant. this is my third child, i have never had complications before. Someone help!

[mommyof 1]

I am so glad I found this forum.  I was what I thought was 6.5 weeks pregnant.(according to LMP)  I started spotting light brown with mild cramps and went to the ER.  They checked my HCG and it was 3450.  Went the next morning for an U/S.  It showed I was measuring at 4w3d.  there was no fetal pole or heartbeat, which they said could be because I was so early.  Had more bllod work done 2 days later and HCG was 7555.  Then I started having very heavy red blood that lasted 1 hour.  Had a pelvic and they said my cervix was closed.  They just told me it could go either way and it was a waiting game.  Unfortunaly, my family doc is away, so I've been dealing with ER doctors, and they dont do any kind of follow up.  I just don't know what to think.  Can anyone offer any advice??

[Nickey1]

Hello, my best friend experienced the same thing early in her pregnany, her water even started leaking (on my couch) when she was only about 3-4 months, and she has a healthy baby boy, that was born December 30th.  In addition my sister experienced this too, she was working and went to go to the rest room, only to notice that her chair was covered with blood, lot's of blood......well her son just turned 5 a few weeks ago.  Now my best friend was put on bed rest, and my sister wasn't, so don't give up hope, these things happens sometimes...........wishing you a blessed, safe, happy, and healthy 9 months

[jholland]

I am experiencing similar, can someone help? I went  in for some spotting on Wed, and they did the hcg level and it was 668.7 then went back in 2 days and it was 563. Is there any chance of still a baby? or only a miscarriage? I thought it would half every 2 days if miscarring or double if good, im just trying to hold on to hope and if anyone has any info for me please let me know. Thanks

[PeachyChik]

you said you hcg level was 668.7 and then it was 563 2 days later... do you have any updates?  i hope you got some good news!!!

i am currently going through the same thing and it is killing me!... went to the dr. on 4/2 b/c of cramps & spotting.  ultrasound indicated gestational sac measured at 4 wks, 1 day (no yolk or fetal pole).  quantitative hcg level was 3731.  went back on 4/9 for a 2nd ultrasound and measured at 4 wks, 0 days (still no yolk or fetal pole).  hcg level had decreased to 3518.  my dr. assumed i have a blighted ovum and offered to do a d&c.  my fiance' and i decided to wait.  i am wondering if there is ANY CHANCE there is still a viable pregnancy since my hcg level dropped.  i have read that a fading twin could cause a decrease in hcg level... although i know it's not likely, i guess i can't help but hope that is the case with me.  this not knowing is killing me!!!  

has anyone else had decreased hcg levels and still had a healthy baby???

[Maya34]

Hi I am 6 weeks pregnant, I went to my doctor they did a U/S but only saw a sack abut no baby and heartbeat.  My first hcg blood work showed my levels at 6,500 and after the ultasound he made me to do more blood work to see if my levels were rising, this time the hcg level was 41,000.  So what does this mean?  And is this preg viable?

[Maya34]

Hi I am 6 weeks pregnant, I went to my doctor they did a U/S but only saw a sack abut no baby and heartbeat.  My first hcg blood work showed my levels at 6,500 and after the ultasound he made me to do more blood work to see if my levels were rising, this time the hcg level was 41,000.  So what does this mean?  And is this preg viable?

[scaryspice]

I'm 39 and found out having 4th baby. HCG levels at first appt were673, two weeks later they are at 15,087. Doctor is concerned because they are not doubling. Had ultrasound last week and couldn't find hb. Just had one today and still no hb, but they could see the fetal pole. Doctor thinks I should start planning for the worst, but I'm not bleeding or cramping. I go back in two days for another ultrasound. Should I plan for the worse, what does this all mean for my baby. Never had any of this with my 3 other kids. My problem has been getting pregnant, not staying pregnant. Just looking for some answers. I feel like the doctor just wants me tho think the worse.

[1Nita]

I am 6 weeks pregnant. My levels first measured 2073, with an US at 4wks with no fetal pole or hb. Doctors were suspicious because they thought they should see something after 1500 level, did another blood test two days later and it was only 2300, another 2 days later, 3400. I had an US on Saturday and low and behold there is a fetal pole and hb with a normal sac. I had another HCG level done yesterday (5 days after last one) and it's only 4300! I have a history of miscarriages and my last full term pregnancy (3rd child) had to be progesterone supported. The ob is saying things are still progressing, because the levels are rising, the fetus is developing and I have no bleeding or cramping. I think that it's an eventual miscarriage - how can it be viable with such low rising numbers??? Anybody out there have a successful outcome in similar circumstances?

[HannahBenji]

How far were you when you had your u/s? My doc told me you can't find a heart beat on an u/s until 7 or 8 weeks gestation.
I can relate to your fears. I have three kids and miscarried baby #4 at 14 weeks, which was the last thing I expected to happen. Got pregnant after waiting for one period and now 10 weeks along.

[Highrisk]

I am new here, but I really need some reassurance.  I went to the doctor on Monday and had bloodwork done, my Progesterone was low (8.1) so I was placed on supplements to help sustain the pregnancy.  At that time, my HCG level was 133.  
Today, after re-testing the levels, they had only increased to 199.  My MD is not very reassuring.  

I demanded an ultrasound as I had my Right Tube and Ovary removed just this February and cannot risk an ectopic pregnancy, for that would be the end of my child-bearing. It didn't show anything in my uterus or my tube.  Too early.

I have an 8 year old daughter from a previous marriage, but my current husband has no children of his own.  We want this baby so badly.  As far as our dates are concerned, I could either be 3 or 4 weeks along.

It is now 1:43 am and sleep is the last thing on my mind.  I have had 3 previous miscarriages, I have epilepsy which is well controlled and I am on safe medications.  I also have some congenital heart defects.  High risk is putting it lightly...

Help?
Alison

[botldolphins]

hi everyone i am 6 weeks pregnant and my hcg levels are 11667. they are basically tripling every 48 hours. but my problem is my progesterone is at 7.3 but my dr put me on prometrium 2x a day at 200 mg. i was wonderin if anyone has had the same problem and had a viable pregnancy. im really scared i will lose the pregnancy. please help.

[kimmyjackson]

Hi well not that I am happy for everyone on here with your concerns but it helps to see others are having the same questions and concerns as I am. I am7 1/2 weeks and I am having alot of bleeding that lasts 2-3 hours then spotting for a couple of days then bleeding again heavily then spotting again I have been to the emeg room and have had blood tests 4 times my hcg levels are going up but not doubling in the 48 hours time fram the doc seemed concerned,should I be? I had the ultrasound done 4 times and all 4 time a strong fetal heartbeat was detected but she has me now thinking miscarriage since in the past 48 hours it hasn't went up alot I am scared I am going for another ultrasound on manday and I guess we will see. It's this bleeding that is weird I don't know why i am bleeding or where it's coming from. Let me know if you've ever heard of anything like this before.
Thanks
Kim

[Chelly2007]

well im having almost the same problem as you ^. I thought i was around 7 to 8 weeks, I started bleeding on Wed and went to the ER and they did a transvaginal and and ultrasound and no heartbeat was detected.They also said that the measurement indicated that i wa around 6 weeks, does this mean there is  no hope  or simply, the baby hasnt gotten that far yet? The ER nurse said  my hCG level was   560, is that low for being 6 weeks?? Now my nurse said to follow up with my ob/gyn on fri and i did and she  told me that my levels had risen to 732.... so it didnt double in 48 hours.i go ack on mon to do another check for my levels and another ultrasound.... so i dont really know what my question is, im  just kinnda scared, because im ob/gyn said there was a 90% chance i am going to have a miscarriage, but my levels  are going up.... but im still bleeding, but not heavy at all. I havent had cramps or any signs of a misscarriage, except for the bleeding. I gues you and i will kinnd hve to pray for each other on mon, being that we both kinnda find out on the same day.

[kimmyjackson]

well i think if you're only 6 weeks it's just too early to detect the heartbeat so don't give up hope and you're not bleeding so that's good my bleeding id finally nothing this morning. the hcg thing is different for everyone i think. Good luck and I will pray for you and you do the same for me. Hope all goes well.

[Chelly2007]

well i went to the ob/gyn this morning and she told me that there is a miscarriage taking place, the sac has started to colapse and since i have not passed the baby yet, i will have  to get a DNC done. So this morning wasnt full of good news, i hope your morning went better then mine.

[kimmyjackson]

I am so sorry to hear your bad news i feel for you I just went through it a couple of months ago don't worry it's hard right now but it will get better and I only had to wait for 2 periods after the dnc to try right away and I did and it worked, good luck to you for your future trying and again I am so sorry. Everything is okay so far for me.

[Brandy27]

I am pregnant with my third Child , But this pregnancy has been scary from day one . I had taken a preg test 3 weeks ago , Ok well I actually took 8 test and they all came back postitve and I called my Ob and they did a US and didn't find anything , So I had to go for another the next day and still didn't find anything , So I was fusterated and I went and bought 2 more test and they still came back positive ... I went for blood work Early today and went for a appointment with the OB and they did yet another US and still no baby , But they did a US to see if it was a tube baby and it wasn't there either . But the blood test came back I am pregnant . But my levels where low they said and I have been cramping for like 2 weeks , But no blood . I am suppose  to be 7 weeks Is what the test results are saying . But I am so upset and confused , Is there anyone who can tell me anything ?

[angelscry2]

I found out I was seven weeks pregnant on 04/09/07.  Doctor did not do an ultra sound but did a pelvic exam and blood and urine work.  on 05/14/2007 I was scheduled to see a specialist for maternal and Fetus medicine and when they did the ultra sound nothing, they proceeded to a vaginal ultrasound and then told me that the baby did not have a heartbeat and it appeared that the fetus died at 9 wks.  I am scheduled to go in for a D&C on tommorrow.  I am just not sure.  I am now questioning if I was ever pregnant.  I had been trying for 7 years with no luck and out of the blue I got pregnant only to be told that the fetus had died.  Please someone help me to figure this out.

[Cateyeslioness]

I am 7 weeks suposely & I woke this morning and spotting, so i went to the doctors, the did a ultrasounds both internal and external and found nothing there. so, she gave me a urine pregnacy test and was a faint postive which it wasnt when i did a home test two weeks ago. So, she did blood work to check the Hcg levels and i have to go back again in a couple days for another blood test. She said I am most likely having a miscarriage, but if she cant see anything then how does she know. I have been having light slimey looking blood but nothing heavy or clots or anything. I am also having so lights cramps. I dont know what to think now. This is my 5th child. If anyone out there can help shed some light I would greatly appreciate it... I am confused because I would think she would at least see something in the ultrasound right? could it be eptopic? help?

[cc in virginia]

My husband and I finally started fertility treatments after 2 yrs of trying to conceive, and we recently went through our 1st IUI... insemination procedure on Easter 4/8.  We were not expecting it to "take" the first try, but it did.  Much to my surprise, I found out I was pregnant on 4/23.  Since that time we have been on a rollacoaster ride.  At first my hcg levels were doubling every 2 days.  They tested me a Mon, Wed, and Fri.  Then, they began to be concerned when my numbers went up but were not doubling.  They were worried about an ectopic pregnancy so they did the 1st u/s at 5 wks.  Dr. saw sac in the uterus, but still believed there was a possibility of one in the tube also.  When my numbers continued to rise but at a slower rate, they decided to continue to monitor the bloodwork, progestrone levels, and repeat an u/s at 6 wks.  Dr. took me off of the prometrium.  Dr. did u/s at 6ks... embryo smaller than normal and no heartbeat.  He advised us to go ahead and schedule a d&c for last Thurs.  I went in for the d&c, they put me under and when I woke up the Dr. told me they couldn't do the procedure b/c they found a heartbeat!  The Dr. immediately told me to not get excited that they still feel the pregnancy is not viable.  I am devistated.  Not only about the pregnancy, but about thinking that at least we'd have some closure.  Now I am in limbo-land.  I go back tomorrow... 1 wk later for the Dr. to do yet another u/s to see if there is still a heartbeat.  He keeps saying that I will have to wait until there is no longer a heartbeat before they can do anything.  I am so scared that this is going to continue indefinitely.  I feel fine physically, and I am basically a positive person.  I know they keep saying the chances are slim that this could still end up as an "ok" pregnancy, but miracles happen.  I can't go through every day expecting the worst.  Can anyone out there offer any advice or any personal experiences that have been similiar???
I would appreciate it, really!

[tgraham2]

Hi all!  I'm new to this site...so here's my scenario!  I tested positive on blood pregnancy test 2 weeks ago.  the first week was great with no issues.  Last wednesday I started to spot lightly,  I went in for an internal u/s and nothing because I wasn't far enough along.  They told me that my cervix was closed and the endometrium was thick indicating early pregnancy. They sent me for a hcg test.  I was supposed to go back on Saturday to get the follow-up test.  At 4am, I started bleeding heavily like a normal period with small clots and all (which is very normal for my cycle).  I still went to get the levels and they had doubled and continued to double on Monday.  So needless to say, I was feeling optimistic and just assumed that I was having my period during pregnancy which I understand is more common that I thought.  Well, on Monday night, I passed a clot that was large about palm size.  I of course just assumed that it was over and was devistated.  I then went this morning for more blood work and my numbers continue to double about every 3 days.  I just don't know what to think.  My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for about 6 years.  This is our first pregnancy.  We are on an emotional roller coaster.   After looking at many of these websites, my optimism is fading quickly.  My levels although doubling seem very low in comparison to others. What does this mean?  I'm trying to be hopeful while preparing myself for the worst.  Is there anyone who has been in this same boat???  It's now Thursday and I have to wait until next Tuesday before I get an u/s.  They are hoping that there will be something to see to either give me hope or closure.  Any advice???

Tara

[connorethansmom]

Wow, what stories to share.  I wanted to let you know my story - there is nothing wrong with hoping!

I found out I was pregnant at 5 weeks.  Shortly their after I started bleeding and went to the ER.  I hadn't even had a chance to see my own dr. yet.  At the ER the dr. said that he saw a sac, but no baby.  I got my HCG levels checked and they were not as high as he had hoped.

The next day I was to see my own dr.  Before I was even examined the nurse and dr. told me to prepare myself becuase I was going to miscarry.  I was so upset, that was the last thing I was expecting to hear.  They still did not see a heartbeat that day, so I came back the next week and the next week.

At 7 weeks they had a heartbeat!!!!!  They were wrong!!!

My son, just celebrated his first birthday last month so please keep the hope.  If it is one thing I learned from the expereince I had with my son, it is that they really are still flying very blind when it comes to pregnancy and birth.  No one really knows when it is going to happen or what is going to happen.

I wish you all the best of luck with your pregnancies.

Proud Mommy to Connor