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Original poster

Low HCG levels and ongoing pregnancy

116 replies

GoldJules · 18/10/2022 16:52

Hello! I had my 5th embryo transfer in September, and got a faint positive test - did a few more - still quite faint, and decided to get a blood test to see what was going on. 14 days past a 5 day frozen embryo transfer, my hcg was 124. That was on a Thursday afternoon, and when I did another test on Saturday morning (around 42 hours later) it was 224. I did another urine test where the test line is much darker. My clinic advised me that as my hcg was low initially, the pregnancy is unlikely to continue. I guess I'm trying to prepare myself for a miscarriage - but wondered whether anyone had been in a similar position, and had an ongoing pregnancy? Thanks!

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Original poster
GoldJules · 01/05/2023 23:07

@Rach247 thanks for your kindness too. I had thought about beta tests, but doing it privately would cost around £120 (£60 per test) and I’m just not sure I want to spend that money! I was thinking of doing another clear blue digital test tomorrow (we’ve been away this bank holiday weekend) and hoping that it hasn’t dropped below 3 weeks +! Did you do betas in early pregnancy?

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GoldJules · 01/05/2023 23:04

@Releasethehoundss you really had a rough time of it! Thanks for the reassurance too. I’m really trying not to stress, but it’s quite hard! I generally think of myself as a fairly grounded person but all of this is making me slightly spin out!

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Original poster
GoldJules · 01/05/2023 23:02

@Pip1402 thanks for this! I know it lol to be true in theory but it’s much harder to accept it is true in my body. I guess I was really focusing on the extreme hunger I was feeling as a positive symptom and then now it’s stopped its making me feel nervous!!!

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Rach247 · 01/05/2023 17:53

It sounds totally normal - I think early
pregnancy is designed to cause maximum stress and over analysis! Totally understandable that you’ll be feeling anxious.

Totally agree about everyone googling symptoms dropping away, I certainly did.

Do you have any beta tests that might set your mind at ease?

Releasethehoundss · 01/05/2023 17:49

@GoldJules , i had the craziest symptoms with my last pregnancy.
My hCg kept rising but with no baby detected on ultrasound. Didn't even see a pregnancy til 13 weeks on a transvaginal US. Hide and seek champ of the world... all my symptoms left at 6ish weeks, except my food aversion. That stayed for most of my pregnancy. No sore boobs, no cramps, no tiredness. I delivered three and a half weeks ago.
I totally understand you feeling so unsure after everything you've been through.
Be good to yourself and try not to stress because lots of women experience the coming and going of symptoms.

Pip1402 · 01/05/2023 17:49

It's completely normal for symptoms to fluctuate or not to have many at all at 5 weeks. At that stage I did another test and told dp it was definitely all over because the line was fainter than the one a few days before. I was looking at the test line and not the pregnancy line 🤦‍♀️

It's also completely normal to worry about symptoms or lack of them, especially given what you've been through. I did a lot of googling about early pregnancy and boobs no longer being sore around 5-6 weeks. There were lots of other people asking the same question!

I'm nearly 13 weeks now and everything is fine so far, touch wood. Wishing you the very best of luck.

Original poster
GoldJules · 01/05/2023 17:39

Hi hi! Sorry in advance for neurotic message and I hope it’s okay to seek advice/reassurance. I did a clear blue digital test last Thursday (14 days post transfer) and got a 3 weeks + which was reassuring - plus a ravenous hunger! That has definitely dropped away today. I think my breasts were slightly sore and fuller (maybe it’s bananas to think that at 5 weeks) and now they’re not sore at all, and I’m spinning out that it’s stopped working. Did anyone else’s symptoms fluctuate in early pregnancy?!?! Or got themselves in a state when actually all was fine?! Sorry - after last time I’m feeling pretty fragile!

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Releasethehoundss · 01/05/2023 17:34

Yes, hoping you have good news, still...

Rach247 · 01/05/2023 17:31

How’s it going, @GoldJules?

Original poster
GoldJules · 25/04/2023 09:52

@Releasethehoundss ah thanks!!!!!! It's an early response test, so it's got a high HCG sensitivity - but still - defo darker than last time!

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GoldJules · 25/04/2023 09:51

@Rach247 It's really hard not to get my hopes up - I'm generally trying to keep myself distracted! Feels like tempting fate to even think about this - but I'd be due in December....

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Releasethehoundss · 25/04/2023 01:47

Omg i am so excited for you two! Those lines look amazing!

Rach247 · 24/04/2023 09:24

So exciting! And yes it’s impossible not to get your hopes up so I think you should embrace it. When will you be due?

Original poster
GoldJules · 23/04/2023 22:23

@Rach247 I transferred 3....

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GoldJules · 23/04/2023 21:43

Thanks @Rach247 that's really kind of you! Yes I'm feeling good! I mean I've got barely any symptoms apart from maybe slightly more frequent urination and I had three nosebleeds last week (which can apparently be a sign?) but other than that, completely normal! I'm trying to proceed with caution, but it's hard not to get your hopes up isn't it!!x

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Rach247 · 23/04/2023 18:29

And how many embryos did you transfer? That looks like a great, strong line.

Rach247 · 23/04/2023 18:28

Oh my goodness this is amazing news!!!

I’m so happy for you, how wonderful!

How are you feeling?

Original poster
GoldJules · 23/04/2023 14:35

Hello all! I just wanted to update you- I hope that's okay! I had another transfer 11 days ago and got a positive test today! Obviously, VERY much taking it one day at a time after the ups and downs of last time - but cautiously happy! xx

Low HCG levels and ongoing pregnancy
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Original poster
GoldJules · 12/02/2023 18:50

@Rach247 hiya! Kind of you to check in and sorry for the late reply. Yep I’m okay. I did another test on the Monday which I thought was completely negative, and called my clinic to report that, but when I looked after - there was a very faint line. Anyway, came off the meds and got my period within the next few days. Had a medical review last week - they said no reason not to try again if I feel up for it, so will probs try at least once more. I’m vaguely thinking of transferring 3 embryos but let’s see….

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Rach247 · 07/02/2023 09:46

How are you, @GoldJules?

Original poster
GoldJules · 29/01/2023 19:31

@Rach247 thank you. Yes it's a bit rough, but onwards! Thanks for your kind thoughts x

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Rach247 · 28/01/2023 12:47

Oh hell @GoldJules you are not having an easy run of things. I’m so sorry. Feels like the cruelest outcome.

I don’t have anything helpful to say other than take your time, you don’t need to rush into any big decisions.

Thinking of you both X

Original poster
GoldJules · 28/01/2023 12:18

Morning! I tested this morning (11 days after a 5 day embryo transfer) and it looked very negative - but there was a whisper of a line - so I did an early response test, and there’s another whisper of a line (attaching picture) I spoke to the clinic, and they said to retest on Monday. But I think it was a chemical - I was having some quite strong indigestion symptoms that dropped off - so that figures. Ahhhh deep breaths…

Low HCG levels and ongoing pregnancy
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Original poster
GoldJules · 27/01/2023 23:13

@Rach247 yes I have around 9 I think. I’ve definitely used the better graded ones already, but I’ve heard that grading isn’t everything. The transfers are hugely expensive - so it’s a tough decision. Anyway, let’s see!

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Rach247 · 27/01/2023 12:06

I think you can only cross that bridge if and when you come to it. Do you have any more embryos stored?