HCG levels--confused

SweetMissAngel · #1 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 01:05 PM

I posted this on the IUI board, but I am hoping maybe some of you have some experience with this...

My nurse says that my hcg level is 8, which they consider pregnant. She said since we tested so early (12dpo), she would expect it to be this low. Has anyone ever seen a number this low? I am worried because of the negative pregnancy tests today followed by the positive one yesterday. She also says that my progesterone level is 18, above the needed 15.
Should I be happy or cautious? I am so confused. I am supposed to go get another beta on Sunday (the day I was supposed to originally go in, before the spotting came yesterday). I guess it is supposed to double by then? I don't know about this. I'm really scared.

Ashe · #2 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 01:17 PM

I do not know if IUI would change this, but i don't seem to think it would.

I got my hCG back from 8DPO and got a 4, which is higher than my usual, but still under 5, so still not pregnant. So, that seems okay with your numbers.

most HPT do not go as low as 8...or even as low as 16...so don't worry about a test still coming back negative.

Your hCG should double every 48-72 hours. So, the rise from today to Sunday will tell the most.

Don't worry! You'll get

on a stick soon!!!

SweetMissAngel · #3 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 01:37 PM

Thanks. That helps some to hear that numbers are low this early on. The weird thing is that I did have a faint positive HPT yesterday, followed by 2 negative ones today. The beta was done yesterday too, so if this is declining, I guess I won't know anything until Sunday. In the meantime, I will try to stay positive. Thanks so much!

codedriver · #4 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 01:04 PM

Here is a chart that I found and used.

hCG levels during pregnancy
(in weeks sincelast menstrual period)
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 55-200 ng/ml

I had a 10 the 1st time at 12 DPO and then 30 4 days later. I got very faint BFP. I did IUI and my 3rd test at 18 DPO was HCG of 67 and Prog of 26, I because a blood test junky like many are POAS junkies.

I stil believe that waiting for the 12 DPO is the best for your sanity and has a better chance of a BFP.

Good luck

SweetMissAngel · #5 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 09:10 PM

Thanks for the help. The test today (15dp) was only 14. Looks like it is not viable. I have been spotting today but no flow yet. I just hope to be able to move on to the next cycle and have this one be over. Thanks again for the information. I guess now I just wait.

Ashe · #6 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 11:12 AM

I'm sorry to hear that. 14 doesn't necessarily mean it's no good...

That would make it doubling just more than 72 hours, which 72 hours is the norm.

Keep positive, and keep us posted!!

moonrise · #7 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 12:30 PM

I agree, it is doubling just outside the normal range of 72 hours.
But it is possible that it could be a chem preg.
When I test positive on hpt, and then negative afterwards it has been a chem preg both times.
But also, my blood work showed the hcg was dropping in half.
The good news, although not totally uplifting is that a chem preg means that you CAN get pregnant.

please keep us posted!

Tkeys · #8 (**permalink**) 03-11-2008, 11:52 PM

I would be more concerned about starting to get negative HPTs - the number isn't really an issue - you are early, and if it doubles, that would be a good sign. But, low hcg, and starting to get

s could indicate a chemical pregnancy. So, I would be optimistic, but cautious . . .

Ashe · #9 (**permalink**) 03-12-2008, 05:36 AM

Laura-

Have you had your beta tested again?

Tkeys · #10 (**permalink**) 03-12-2008, 09:15 AM

I just wanted to say I'm sorry

. Hang in there . . .

SweetMissAngel · #11 (**permalink**) 03-12-2008, 11:03 AM

Thank you all. I got a negative hpt yesterday. Did another blood test early this morning. Still waiting for results. Have been spotting pretty regularly with fresh red blood so I did not take the progesterone suppository last night. I anticipate a lower number today. I'll post when I find out. Thanks again for your advice and support.

SweetMissAngel · #12 (**permalink**) 03-12-2008, 02:26 PM

The HCG number was 3. Glad to be getting off of this rollercoaster and on to the next one!!

NicoleY · #13 (**permalink**) 03-12-2008, 03:39 PM

I am so sorry. I know how you feel and my heart goes out to you.

Tkeys · #14 (**permalink**) 03-12-2008, 11:13 PM

I'm so sorry you are going through this.