HCG Didn't Double
QUESTION
Dear Midwife,
I found out I was pregnant and my first Beta was 233. I went 2 days later for more blood work and an ultrasound since I am prone to miscarriages and on the ultrasound the tech and the doctor both thought they saw the beginning of a gestational sac. I was shocked. I have read a sac can not be viewed until levels are about 1000 and mine were below that at that time. The doctor told me my levels must have jumped to see the beginning of the sac. I had them tested again and they went up to 381 which they said was ok but not awesome.
I am wondering how they were able to see anything via ultrasound if my numbers were that low? I want to trust the ultrasound more than the beta hcg tests at this point but don't know what to believe. I am in shock they did not go up more than they did. I am to go back in a few days for another beta and a few days after than for another ultrasound.
What is your impression? Thanks for your reply.
Sara
ANSWER
My impression is, "so far, so good!." I'd suggest that you get your progesterone level checked with your next hcg, and hopefully, they will see the little one on ultrasound very soon!
-- Cynthia, CNM. PhD.
Cynthia Flynn
Cynthia Flynn, CNM. PhD, is the General Director of the Family Health and Birth Center which provides prenatal, birth, postnatal, gynecological and primary health care to underserved women and their families in Washington, D.C. Recently Cynthia served as Associate Professor of Nursing at Seattle University. There she not only taught, but remained in full scope clinical midwifery practice at Valley Medical Center where she cared for pregnant and birthing women, and practices well-woman gynecology, family planning, and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
Cynthia founded Columbia Women's Clinic and Birth Center, where she took care of pregnant women and infants up to two weeks of age and attended both birth center and hospital births. Before Cynthia earned her CNM, she worked as a registered nurse in labor and delivery and postpartum and is a certified Doula and Doula trainer.
