HCG levels

[egg]

I found out last week that I'm pregnant, with a due date of 2/7/07. I'm 42 y.o., and have only been pregnant once before, last fall, and it ended disastrously, with emergency surgery and a blood transfusion, at the end of the 9th week. Anyway, I had a blood test to confirm the home test last Wednesday, and my HCG was 54. My doctor wanted to repeat it, since he thought it was a bit on the low end of normal, so we did, 2 days later, and it was up to 154. We were thrilled. They had me repeat it again today, and it was at 453. The nurse said that was right where it should be, but that they wanted to do the test one more time, this Friday, just to make sure things were progressing properly. Now, of course, I'm a nervous wreck, wondering if there's something they're not telling me, or if maybe the numbers aren't as good as they're telling me they are. I know it's still very early, but last time around I started bleeding in about week 6, so I'm just bracing myself for the worst. Has anyone else out there been through something like this, or know whether these HCG numbers are okay? And are these feelings of incredible anxiety about a pregnancy, after losing one, normal? Thanks.

[Mama2-4]

I have been through this with our last several pregnancies due to infertility, miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy history. I know how scary and frustrating the waiting can be...the 2 days between draws seems to take forever! I found lots of websites with info you can look at, but here is a chart depicting the hcg levels in a singleton pregnancy.

http://www.betabase.info/showBasicChart.php?type=Single

From what I can see your levels look really good! So, hang in there and try not to worry about it.
Andrea

[egg]

Thanks for your words of comfort. You're right - the waiting is just so stressful - and I know it's not good for me to be this stressed, but it's just so hard to relax knowing that all may not be well. I think this is probably my last chance to be pregnant, given my age, so that adds a lot more pressure to the situation. I just have to keep taking deep breaths and hoping for the best. I guess it really is out of my hands at this point....

[Carlito's_wife]

Your levels do look really good. I would say you are right on track. The fact that they are going up so well seems to indicate a healthy pregnancy. Of course they say you aren't in the clear until after the first trimester but you have a great start and I would expect things to go great for you.

Congrats!!!

[mom3b1?]

Egg,

I'm so sorry for your loss, and your current worries. I've been down this road too. I lost many babies before I had my first, and have been through all sorts of fertility testing and treatment.

Conception isn't as straight forward as it sometimes seems. The sperm has to start on it's journey before ovulation so it can get into position to meet the egg in the tube. Then the developing baby has to float down the tube, and into the uterus. Eventually it finds a spot to latch on, and begins to affect Mom's hormone levels.

Because there is so much that has to happen even when you have a definite ovulation date, you never really know for sure what day there was implanting. Ladies our age, I'm 43, usually ovulate multiple times per cycle. Was this one that is becoming a baby, the first or last egg? This could add another 12 hours, or longer to the time before implant.

It sounds like your baby implanted at the late end of normal. Perhaps this was the last egg of the cycle, then he or she took her time finding that sweet spot to attach to you for the next 9 or so months.

The important thing is that your numbers are doubling every couple of days, from whenever that first implantation began. Sounds like you are totally on track. Your Doctor is being extra careful. This is a good thing, but it can lead to an increased chance of an unnecessary c/s, because they are doing more medical processes than may not be absolutely necessary. If you want a more natural birth, you might want to start exploring options now. I'm sure your hightest priority now, is just staying pregnant as long as your baby needs. It sounds like you are off to a good start. If hormone levels are any indication, you are in for a long healthy pregnancy.

Congragulations!!

Kiley

[egg]

Thanks to all of you for your words of reassurance - they helped me to get a grip, and to try to have a more positive attitude. Today was a better day, probably because I didn't have a single free moment at work, and then came home and mowed the lawn! I have another HCG on Friday - will keep you posted.

[Mama2-4]

Keeping busy really helps keep the mind from worrying! Good luck Friday, I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you!
Andrea

[egg]

My HCG went from 453 on Tuesday to 1848 today!!! I'm so thrilled, and if I could only get rid of this migraine that's been driving me nuts all day, I'd be jumping up and down. I think we're done with betas for now. The next step is an ultrasound the week after next, and then my first prenatal exam later that week. Thank goodness I can relax a little about all of this for a little while. Of course, knowing me, I'll continue to worry about every little thing, but it sure looks like the little critter is growing....