Stupid question, but, why do people get their hcg levels checked?

[highlandmum]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but this is my third baby and I am still wondering this! why do people get their hcg levels checked? Is this something I should be doing? lol...you'd think this being my 3rd and all I know....

[Norasmomma]

Usually it's if someone has a history of m/c, my friend has had to do it because she had a m/c. she also had a bunch of spotting when pg with her son. They checked her levels to make sure they were doubling every few days or so.

Maybe someone else has a better explanation, but that's what I got from her experience.

[Degas]

No it's not something you need to do. People usually get them checked if they are worried about miscarriage or if they've had trouble TTC. The hcg levels are supposed to double early on every 48 hrs, i think until it gets to be a certain level. So for people who had a hard time TTC or have had miscarriages in the past, then often they check the levels to make sure things are going OK.

If someone experiences bleeding and suspects miscarriage, then the OB will usually check the levels every couple days. If they are going down that means the person is miscarrying. If they are not doubling correctly early on, then they keep a closer eye on it. At a certain level - I think like 6000 or 7000 or so, you are able to see something on the ultrasound.

I wasn't planning on getting my levels checked myself, despite my history, but I started having on and off cramping and some of my symptoms seemed to go away, so now I am planning on getting my progesterone checked. (Sometimes too low progesterone can cause miscarriage). I don't know if you can check the progesterone separate from the hcg.

[Bromache]

I was kinda wondering this myself! I figured it was for people with histories of miscarriage, but it seemed like most people were having it done, so then I thought maybe it was an American thing. (I'm Canadian.) Thanks for clarifying!

[lil_stinkyfeet]

I am having mine checked as well as my progesterone because I have had 2 miscarriages in the last 3mos. I was concerned that my progesterone levels could have had something to do with my miscarriages. I am on progesterone supplements and so far so good::

[stockingup99]

I think the levels are checked to re-assure the new mommy. There really isn't anything that can be done when the levels drop, except prepare the mom. I had a doc that wouldn't declare me preg until the levels were checked, he declared ammenoria (no period) instead.

: :

This time my doc took my word for it, and will provide care without asking for blood first.

I've had two miscarriages, and the one when the industry 'helped' me was far worse. I found that the trip to the ER and the drugs provided did more harm to me than good. With the new doc, I called to say I was miscarrying, and she said to rest and drink water, and that unless the bleeding went crazy, I'd be all set. She didn't even require a visit.

[MamaRue]

hi. it isn't a silly question, and no there is no reason you should feel like you need to check them. it can be reassuring...but it can also be maddening!

with my son (who is now 3)...i didn't have them checked at all. but this new little bean took a long time to conceive, possibly because my progesterone has been on the low side (we discovered a few months ago when i did some bloodwork to check thyroid and some other stuff.) anyway, so i wanted to get my progesterone checked and the doc added on the hcg test. it was tense waiting for the results though now things look fine and i don't need to supplement progesterone.

anyway...i liked it much better before when i didn't get all worried about that stuff. so surely don't drag yourself into the world of hcg/progesterone level worries without good reason!!!!!

[treehugginmama]

I've been getting mine checked because of a progesterone problem in my last pregnancy. I ended up having low hcg this time so I've gone a few times since my first draw.

Honestly, I rather not have the hcg check. It's very nerve wracking and it's not like you can prevent a miscarriage if it's going to happen.