HCG levels is this a failing pregnancy

[crump]

A week ago I foundout I was pregnant.  I don't actually know how many weeks into pregnancy I am, but think I'm somewhere between 3 and 5 weeks. Experiencing abdominal pain 6 days ago I went to my doctor (I had an ectopic pregnancy 10 years ago) who immediately referred me to an early pregnancy unit.  Two vaginal scans have ruled out that this is an ectopic pregnancy.  The scans could not detect any sign of foetal life.  Monitorring of my HCG levels via bloods have shown that my levels are low and not doubling (monday=220, Wednesday=301, Friday=360). I return Monday for another HCG test.  The doctor thinks my HCG levels are plateauing, and are a sign that this foetus (where ever it is) is unhealthy. She is suggesting that I be given methotrexate to cause a miscarriage.  Looking into this drug it is truly horrible, and is actually an abortion drug.  Despite being pro-choice I am very unhappy at the thought of taking this drug.  What I don't understand is why the doctor is jumping to this, without letting my body and nature take its own course.  Is there any harm in waiting a week or two and see if my body will do its natural thing?  I've read of woman who have had extremely low HCG levels only to go on and have a healthy child.  This of course could be clutching at straws.

[2wonderfulboys]

I wish I had some good news but I had the same thing happen to me, I was told I would mc on my own but I never did, in fact we saw a heartbeat at 7 1/2 weeks, then when I went back at 9 weeks the heartbeat was gone.  I had a D&C the very next day.. I am so sorry, I know how difficult this is,  and from my experience it doesn't look very promising.  Ask the doc to do another ultrasound in a week  to see if they can see anything, I wouldn't let them rush you into the drug until they are 100% that it isn't growing.  Do what your heart is telling you to do and pray about it, it will work out for the best.. many prayers be with you

[crump]

Thank you for your advice.  I'm trying so hard to stay level headed about this.  I really don't want the doctor to rush me to make the decision on this drug.  I will talk to her Monday about whole host of things, but most definitely about another scan.  Problem is I told her I was never going back to the expert who scanned me ever again in the early pregnancy unit.  I was called very early in morning and told I needed another scan because they were unappy with the HCG levels.  I had to go on my own, since my husband could not make it.  He obviously missed the lecture on compassion and empathy at scan school because he was very blunt with me 'you are not ectopic.  There is no sign of foetal life.  You will miscarry but won't need an operation'.  No, I'm really sorry to tell you this ....  I then sat for over an hour on the gynaecology ward waiting for the doctor with all this swimming around my head.  I was very weepy.  I had a minor hissy fit, found a nurse and said I wanted to go home.  She found doctor immediately.  On my first visit I waited over two and half hours after the scan to be told exactly what scanner told me.  That particular scanner in the normal antenatal unit was really lovely.  I suppose if they send me back to EPU scan expert it will give me an opportunity to speak to him about his manner.  

Thank you for your advice, God bless you.

[Nicole557]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with waiting a week or so. It is devastating no matter how you look at it. The drug she's wants you to take, I would research that. Take your time.