4th week, low HCG level - what does it mean?

[jenadawg]

I have had my HCG levels tested 3 times since I found out I was pregnant. My doctor told me today he doesn't think the numbers look good - not at the level they need to be. On Monday the HCG level was 97 and on Thursday it was  200. Evidently "normal" level for this stage is 500. Does anyone have experience with low HCG numbers and if their pregnancies turned out ok? I am so worried!

[LouUk79]

Help! I went for a beta Hcg test yesterday and the result was 97. It has been 17 days since conception. I know this because of ivf procedures   However, I did a home pregnancy test this morning and it shows a negative result! What is going on? All comments would be really greatly appreciated.

[adgal]

Here is an HCG chart I took from the MedHelp Health Pages.  It shows "normal" range.  You can see that 200 is right in the middle of average for a 4 week pregnancy.  I am wondering....are you 4 weeks from last menstrul period, or 4 weeks since conception?  When a Dr. tells you you are 4 weeks pregnant he is going from the first day of your last menstraul period.  If you are counting 4 weeks since conception, you would actually be 6 weeks.  Them telling you 200 is too low for 4 weeks just does not make any sense at all.

# 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

[kellym]

Okay, so I see now I bet they wish they were higher but they're not grossly off.  And honestly, if you get to 6 weeks and see a healthy heartbeat I might would look into another practice.  I would just have a bad taste in my mouth.  Just keep positive and I honestly think things are going to be okay. What was the last visit like?  Discuss another blood test or just an u/s about 6 weeks.  I know you want to, but don't rush the u/s until at LEAST 6 weeks or a couple of days later.  At 6w1d, my son had a SLOW hb of 89, ugh... one more thing to worry about right?  I waited a full week to know that things would be okay :)  He's 14 months now!! YAY.  SO, one more thing about the nurses response, THAT'S WHY SHE'S A NURSE NOT A DR. hee, hee.!!  And are they really nurses?  My girl that I have every time, weight, urine, blood pressure..... I ask her questions sometimes and think that is the most retarded thing I've ever heard.  I'm not sure if she's a "real nurse", I think I'm going to ask, ha ha!!  Anyways, good luck to you :)

[jenadawg]

It's gets worse - I asked the nurse if people who have an HCG number of 200 at four weeks can go on to have a normal pregnancy and she said, "it's unlikely." Then I hear your stories and I just wonder what would make her say that?? It's like they want to predict the worst just in case maybe? I dunno.  

Pray for me that my numbers keep going up next week.

[adgal]

I agree 100% with Kelly.  The first number is completely irrelevent.  You are doubling every 72 hours and that is great.  My HCG level this pregnancy started at 35.  A week later it was 996, and a week after that 4000.  You are only 4 weeks, and you may find it does a bit of a jump, but if not don't worry.  They are going up.  I wonder about your Dr. saying that too you, especially if you are only 4 weeks.  Try not to worry, sounds like you are doing great!!

[jenadawg]

Thanks Kelly. The very first number was 35 (last Thursday), then 97 (Monday)and Thursday's was 200. I will get another one done on Monday and might ask for an early ultrasound too. I don't know why they are making me think all doom and gloom so these posts really help calm my nerves. I know ultimately it is out of my hands, but....