Progesterone & Hcg Levels
QUESTION
Dear Midwife,
I just went in for my 3rd blood test. I think I'm about 5 weeks along - but not too sure as I haven't officially seen my doctor yet.
1st blood test hcg: 315 and progesterone was 24.6
2nd blood test hcg: 900 and progesterone was 18.0 (this was 2 days after the 1st blood test)
Still awaiting the results from the 3rd blood test.
Should I be concerned about these levels? My nurse told me the level they like to see for the progesterone is 20. Should I be concerned about this?
Thanks,
Melissa
ANSWER
Not yet, as the error range in progesterone can throw off the results somewhat.
But if the third test shows that your progesterone is still falling and your hcg's are rising, you may need a supplement to save the pregnancy. Your provider will let you know.
-- Cynthia, CNM
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.
