In Limbo with low HCG level. WTD ? Experiences ?

[SoMuchFruit]

After several very faint pg tests. Dr ordered beta blood tests which came back yesterday at 50. He says this signifies pregnancy but is low.

From LMP I am 5+4. Dpo I am 25.

Dr only did one blood test and has referred me to the EPU on Monday morning (they do Mon/Wed/Fri for referral cases) He said he was referring me on Monday as then I will be 6wks (from LMP) so they will scan at 6wks.

I am confused/worried about a range of things.

1. Has anyone ever had a good outcome with low levels like this ?

1. I am not sure why he hasn't run another beta to check if levels rising ? Because he thinks there is no point ? Outcome is already bad in his exp so why bother ? Or because a scan is a better indication ?

1. Although he said they can scan from 6wks - I have read that they will see nothing if HCG under 1000 ? Mine is 50! What is the point of a scan in this case ??

Confused.com

Hopefully Mumsnetters can shed even a little light. Am a tortured soul atm. Desperately want 20 Marlboro lights and several martinis but daren't incase there is still hope. (4. Am I mad to be thinking there is still hope ? )

I don't have much knowledge of hcg levels but sorry you are having to endure such a horrible wait. From what you have written it doesn't sound great to be honest. I am surprised they didn't repeat the test two days later as it is the rise in the level that indicates a pregnancy that is doing well. Maybe he didn't because he thinks a scan will give better information?

if they can't see anything at six weeks then you probably have your answer. Unfortunately they will probably make you wait a further two weeks in that situation just in case. Your doctor may also want to check it is not an ectopic pregnancy and a scan is probably a better way to do that than a blood test.

fingers crossed for you that everything is ok.

Mmmm I can see why you're confused.

How long has it been since you first tested positive? I don't want to be the bearer of bad news but a HCG of 50 would be expected around 28 days from your LMP, so a couple of weeks after ovulation and so I don't think there is much hope.

You're absolutely right about levels and scans- with a level that low it is unlikely that anything would be visible, although maybe your GP wants to rule out an ectopic pregnancy (one of the early signs can be low and slow to rise HCG levels) but it would make more sense to have just done another blood test to see if you're levels are dropping, doubling nicely or increasing slowly (indicative of a problem) before arranging a scan.

Sorry not to be more positive xxx

Thanks for the replies.. I am not really holding out any hope now. Just waiting for confirmation more than anything else.