HCG Levels Up & Down?

Question

I know there are a million questions about this on here, but I'm looking for some guidance. Here's the story:

My last menstrual cycle was sometime between June 10-17, 2008. I forgot to write it down, so I'm not sure. I took two positive pregnancy tests on July 22. I had come to the conclusion that I was 4-5 weeks from my LMP at that point.

I had my first doctor's visit last Tuesday, August 12. During my first visit, we did an ultrasound and some blood work. The ultrasound showed a 3-4mm growth, which meant that there was 5-6 weeks fetal growth. We barely saw a heartbeat, but she was very concerned wth that. I left with an uneasy feeling about my pregnancy and not knowing whether this was good or not. We took blood work to measure my HCG levels and I also went back 48 hours later to measure my levels. Tuesday's levels were 18,890 and Thursday's were about 18,300. They basically told me that it didn't look good for our baby...but I scheduled another ultrasound for Monday (yesterday).

We went to our ultrasound yesterday and the baby measured only 4-5mm and we didn't really see a heartbeat - maybe one flicker...? My doctor said that the baby should've doubled its size from last week and without the firm noticibility of a heartbeat and my HCG levels down slightly, she does not think this is a good pregnancy. I had more blood taken to measure HCG levels again.

I got the word today that my levels are up, slightly - 18,954. I'm not scheduling a D&C yet. I'm going to wait it out and have some more blood work done next week to compare again.

Anyone had this sort of issue??? I'm so confused. The emotional roller coaster is driving me insane and I need some peace of mind. I've come to terms with the fact that this baby will probably not survive, but I'm at a loss right now. I'm ready for it to be over with, but without definite confirmation - what should I do?

I also heard that hospitals have stronger, more effective ultrasound machines. Has anyone asked their doctor to order a hospital ultrasound for a better scan??

Thanks for reading my LONG entry...

Answer 1

HCG levels dropping and then rising is weird. I dont know anything about that but I hope someone can give you some guidance. Good luck.

Answer 2

I'm so sorry you're going through this!  I think you're doing the right thing by not scheduling the D&C and giving it a bit longer.  Maybe after the ultra sound Monday you'll have more information to go on.  A friend of mine had a doctor recommending a D&C and a week later she found out it was a viable pregnancy.  Try to keep yourself busy, I know it seems like forever until Monday.  Maybe you can go get a massage or do something else nice for yourself that will keep you relaxed.  Everything has a better chance if you're relaxed.  I'll be thinking good thoughts, best of luck!!!

Answer 3

I am sorry to hear this....

I too went through the same thing..... I found out I was 6 weeks pregnant and Dr. didn't do an ultra sound at that time and my levels were way up... He wanted to wait until 8 weeks for the ultrasound.... Anyways 3 days later I started bleeding... I went back to Dr. and more blood.. But my test were significantly down. I then did and ultrasound and found out it was a "Blighted Ovum Syst" Long Story Short.... It is where your egg is not really fertilized but it thinks it is and your body goes through a similar process... That made me feel better to know it wasn't a baby.. but still hurt a little cause of the loss. But I will say if your levels didn't drop that much then they went up I guess that is a good sign but they should double everyday..... Good Luck to you and I hope everything works out!!!

Answer 4

I'm so sorry to hear that, i am also going Thur the same situation right now. my LMP was july 5 found out i was pregnant aug 3rd on aug 12th i started bleeding like i had my period i was taken to the ER they did an u/s and they saw the sac still no fetal pole or heart beat they said it was still to early to tell, so they have been checking my hcg levels at the hospital they were 1600 then two days later they went down to 1200 witch isn't good at all so they told me I'm probably going to miscarry i had it checked again and they went up to 2400 so at this point they still don't know why they went down and up so quickly. its so confusing and depressing not knowing whats going on i just had it checked this wednesday got the results back today and they went up to 3200 so now I'm really confused because she said they r supposed to double every 48 hrs so even though they have increased my chances r slim to none of continuing to have a normal pregnancy.

just one more ultrasound in a week.