Slow/Low HCGs-Help!

[rockyg]

Hello!

I need your HELP and HOPE as I am researching low HCGs and finding only negative stories on the web. I am being told that since my LMP was 7 weeks ago, my HCG of 789 is low and rising slowly.

I may have ovulated late, but the tests still show that the levels are not doubling. They are certainly increasing, but relatively slow:

12/26/08 (8 Days ago) 259
12/30/08 (4 Days later) 455
1/2/09 (3 Days later) 789

An sonogram and vaginal US were perfomed and showed a small gestation sac. I should be 7 weeks, but a small sac appears more like 4-5 weeks from what I am reading.

It appears that from the start my HCG levels were rising slowly because I didn't get a positive until 38 days after my LMP.

Here's more info:
LMP: 11/14/08 (50 Days ago)
1st HPT: 12/17/08 (17 Days ago, and looked negative)
2nd HPT: 12/22/08 (12 Days ago, and slight POSITIVE)
3rd HPT: 12/25/08 (9 Days ago, and VERY POSITIVE)

Please let me know if you have had a similar experience, and what the outcome was. I am due for another HCG blood test tomorrow, and hope that the numbers continue to rise!

[rockyg]

Sadly, I miscarried 2 days ago.  I am actually better now that I know why my HCG level was rising so slowly.  The miscarriage happened naturally, so there is no need for a D&C or Methotrexate.  My hubby and I will try in a few months, but for now I will rest and know that God was with us the whole time.

Thanks for your support!

[rockyg]

Today I got the results back, and there was only a slight rise in the HCG level since Friday (2 days).  The level went from 789 to 829.5. No doubling.  I am starting to spot heavily (dark brown), so I guess I should prepare for the worse.  I am due for another test tomorrow to verify that the increases are not significant.  Thanks so much for your responses and I wish you all well with your pregnancies!

[JoyRenee]

You're correct about the ultrasound and HCG. Progesterone is necessary in pregnancy to keep the uterine lining from thinning out, thus miscarrying. It should be above 15 or you should ask for supplements. Ask that they test that on Monday as well.

And as leighanne said, slow-rising HCG is fine. So long as it rises 50-60% every 72 hours you should be fine (that is the data I researched when I was last pregnant).

[rockyg]

Thanks for the response.  I don't know what Progesterone level is, and doc will check next U/S when level reaches 2000.  No embryo is visible at my level ( I think HCG has to be at least 1500-2000).

[leighanne143]

some women's hcg levels rise slower.  i have read that as long as they come close to 80% doubling that it is ok.

i have had 2 MC's but did not have my levels checked consistently with those 2 pregnancies.  with this current pregnancy, i did have them checked and mine did double every 2 days but every woman is different.  do they have another US scheduled for you?

[JoyRenee]

Have you checked out the website misdiagnosedmiscarriage yet? You will find many similar stories.

Slow-rising HCG is not always a sign of a problem. The ultrasound is puzzling, though, and you should go back for another. How does your progesterone look?