I have another blood test and ultrasound scheduled for Monday. She said I should be able to see the gestational sac, and make sure it’s in the right place during the ultrasound. I think it will be too early for a heartbeat – I’ll be at 5 weeks, 5 days. I’m at 5 weeks today – really hoping this isn’t the beginning of the end.
Crap – right before I was going to post this, I read the following about this chart:
“The HCG calculator pregnancy doubling level tool interactively calculates whether your blood hCG levels increase normally during the first few weeks after implantation. HcG or human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced by the placenta shortly after implantation. In most normal pregnancies at hCG levels below 1,200 mIU/ml the hCG usually doubles every 48-72 hours and it normally increases by at least 60% every two days.
“As your pregnancy develops, the increase slows down significantly. Between 1,200 and 6,000 mIU/ml serum, the hCG usually takes about 72-96 hours to double, and above 6,000 mIU/ml, the hCG often takes over four or more days to double. It makes little sense to follow the hCG values above 6,000 mIU/ml as at this point the increase is normally slower and not related to how well the pregnancy is doing. After two to three months the increase will slow even further and eventually hCG levels even decline before reaching a plateau for the duration of the pregnancy.
“Doctors will often use the quantitative blood test if they are closely monitoring the development of a pregnancy but above a level of about 6,000 mIU/ml that makes no sense because at this point a sonogram provides better information about the pregnancy.”
So once it gets over 1,200, it doesn't rise as fast??? Am I worrying for no reason??? For 10 days, I’ve been so happy and excited, but always wondered when the worrying would begin. I hate that I can’t be happy, and everything isn’t going exactly like I planned!!! Why can't I just let it go, and not be so darn anxious???
((Hugs)) I have no clue about the numbers so I can't help ease your anxiety. I can give you a ((Hug)). :-)
ReplyDeleteHey there. Your numbers are fine. It does double slower after 1200 and if you went at different times of day, you could be doubling for the number of hours between. My old doc had me go at roughly the same time each draw. If you did an afternoon draw and then a morning draw, you'd be off doubling by a small bit. Those are still good, strong betas. I know how much anxiety this crap causes. Hang in there and try to not stress before the scan. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteDon't know much about hcg numbers either, but from what you quote it does seem to slow down above 1,200. Hoping that you get a lovely ultrasound result on Monday!
ReplyDeleteI am taking a huge mount of comfort in the fact that your betas are still substantially above average. From what you posted here - doubling every 72 to 96 hours being the norm - you are looking good!
ReplyDeleteIf I were you, I'd be chewing my fingers to the bone and wearing holes in the carpet, though!!! I fully understand the worry. And don't envy you those fears- although I DO envy your pregnancy and those fine betas!!
Hoping HARD that you see a pretty sac in utero on Monday!!!
One thing to remember about all this beta stuff: it's not an exact science! Remember how twinsy my betas were? And guess what, there is only one little one in there. Betas are a loose estimation, and they vary so very broadly! You're still in the normal range and your nurse isn't concerned! I know it's hard not to get sucked into the whirlpool of worry (I seem to take a dip in there every couple of days myself), but you will know with greater certainty with your u/s. It's a painful game of waiting, for sure...but it'll bring you more clarity than these betas. Hang in there, Alex! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to remain positive this early, esp given your history. Just hang in there, the RE's office isn't concerned and you don't have any reason to think they're not.
ReplyDeleteWill be thinking of you and good luck on Monday!
I know it is next to impossible, but I agree that you shouldn't stress too much about the betas. My early betas were so far out there, I was convinced there was no WAY I didn't have a molar pregnancy. I was completely wrong, and was so worried and stressed for nothing.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, nothing anyone said to me was able to relieve the stress and worry! I hope you are doing okay, and that you get great news on Monday!
I can understand why you're worried. You're right though...after they get a little higher, the doubling rate slows down. Try and remember that. You also have the u/s soon, which will help ease your mind, too.
ReplyDelete(((HUGS))))
could this be a vanishing twin thing?? regardless, try not to worry. i am convinced you have at least one healthy baby in there, with your betas so high anyways. and i've seen plenty of girls have one of their betas only rise about 66% and all is fine at the end. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteI understand the worry, believe me, but I think things are still looking good.
ReplyDeleteWhat is your next step with the RE? Another beta or just the dreaded wait until the ultrasound? Wishing you all the positive thoughts in the world!
It's so hard not to worry about every little thing! Sometimes I think betas are more of a curse than a blessing. But of course very necessary. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about--maybe you don't have twins, but I think you have a strong, healthy, happy little one in there!
ReplyDeleteStill looks great! It's well above average.
ReplyDelete