Low HCG - any success stories?

[GW25]

Hi,

Please someone save my sanity!

So after thinking that I had missed my LH surge, I found out on Monday (10DPO - 30/01/23) that I was pregnant - I tested with my FMU and had a real light line. The test from 29/01/23, when I look back now, is there but it's so faint that you'd need to hold it at an angle to see it. I believe I ovulated either CD14 or CD15, however due to a miscarriage in December, I wanted to get my bloods checked right away. I went and had them checked yesterday (12DPO - 01/02) and they were 17. I'm now freaking out because I think that's too low (I know it's all about them doubling etc. rather than an independent number), but I am crippled with anxiety about this one ending the same way. I have another test on tuesday to see what they are then but I have roughly worked out:

30/1/23 - 10DPO - 8.5?? - not confirmed - just estimate for it to have doubled to 17
1/2/23 - 12DPO - 17
7/3/23 - 18DPO - 136 - number it will need to be to have doubled since last test

I have read that anything under 100 at 4 weeks/14DPO is likely nonviable. However, other studies of women who have gone on to have successful pregnancies that I have looked in to have it listed that 5 is the minimum number in weeks 3 & 4, with this increasing to 15 in week 5.

I have uploaded a pic of my tests for the last few days. Today's seems to be slightly darker than yesterday so I have everything crossed that this means they are rising. I'm just looking for any reassurance from people who have started with low HCG and gone on to have successful pregnancies!

Thanks xxx

1/02 is the day I was tested
2/02 is this mornings test

This sounds normal to me. I actual had very similar HCG numbers for my first two tests with my last pregnancy and I currently have a lovely little baby in a bassinet next to me right now. If you have concerns can you ring your GP?

Also, please stop taking at home tests. You are pregnant and the line doesn't really mean anything at this point.

@rosewater20 that’s so reassuring to hear, thank you. Do you remember what they were? I went and saw my GP before I had the BT, but my results came in right at the end of the day so I didn’t have a chance to speak to him - hence my panicked post.

the only reason I really did the extra tests were because the line was so light I just wanted a solid one to reassure myself it was sticking and not a chemical. Not that having strong tests stopped me from having a miscarriage last time! But just going to stick to weekly Beta tests now and hope for the best. I’ve had some period like cramps tonight which have made me panic a bit but hopefully they’re just normal pains.

Yes, they were 21 and 136. I know what it is like to try to seek control by testing and researching but it can prove to be more anxiety inducing. I took daily tests with my pregnancy and then had a meltdown when one test was lighter than the previous days and was certain something was wrong but it really meant nothing.

Hi OP,
Wanted to post as I can totally relate to your experience. All I can suggest like PP is that now, it's out of your control. There's nothing you can do to change the outcome - whatever they might be. The only thing that you can have any agency over is looking after yourself, keeping your stress/cortisol levels low, sleeping well, eating good food. Multiple tests and research won't change the outcome.
Fingers crossed for you and a positive outcome on your TTC journey