HCG LEVELS - PLEASE HELP

[AnxiousGirly4]

Hey! So I am extremely anxious due to TTC for 2.5 years, fell pregnant naturally in Nov 2024 & unfortunately miscarried in Jan 2025 at 9 weeks. I am now 6+3 weeks pregnant and PETRIFIED. My HCG was rising great, more than doubling every 2 days and I was super happy, however I got to 5 weeks and things started to slow down a little...I had a scan 2 days ago and there was a heartbeat which I am so happy about, but I feel like are my bloods saying otherwise? My levels were 11,627 4 days ago and today 22,589 so increasing but not doubling every 3-4 days like they should be, and silly me is on google which is saying that anything over 96 hours which mine is, means slow rising and potentially an issue? Can anyone else relate or have any positive stories? I'm going out of my mind with worry, TIA🤞🏻

You're going to make yourself ill. How do you even know what your hcg levels are every two days? The most important detail is that you've seen a heartbeat - that is the key indicator that a pregnancy is likely to be successful (more so than hormone levels which just show that the embryo has implanted).

I know, it’s horrible but I can’t help but worry due to my missed miscarriage in Jan, I feel like I am trying to have some sort of control over the situation but I know I’m just causing worry. My GP has been doing them for me due to my history, but I suppose all I can do is wait and see, just wanted to see if anyone had any similar experiences! Thank you for your response.

I am actually surprised your GP is doing this - especially when it's adding to your stress. Unfortunately it is just a "wait and see" situation. I used to tell myself that with the information I had, at this point in time, everything was fine. That might not be the case tomorrow, but right now it's fine. And one day at a time x

Hey! Firstly, congrats on your pregnancy and I’m sorry you’re feeling anxious. It’s such a hard journey.

I was in a v similar position to you a few years ago. I’d had a miscarriage so was naturally very anxious when I fell pregnant again. I went for multiple private scans in my first trimester and was very anxious all the way through tbh. I had nothing to worry about and my little girl is now 3. But the outcome wouldn’t have changed whether I had scans or not. My point being, things can go wrong yes, but most of the time the odds are in your favour. There is also only so much we can control (especially up to 24 weeks) and as much we try to look for reassurance in scans and tests it really only helps us in the moment until the next doubtful thought creeps in.

if you’re ever concerned then speak to your MW or GP and try to avoid Google - your body may measure differently to the avg.

I know this is much easier said than done but try and do lots of self care, look after yourself. Give yourself short milestones to get to rather looking at the full 40 weeks. Zoe Clark Coates books are amazing - think there is one called Pregnancy After Loss which has a chapter to read every week and helps you feel less overwhelmed.

Someone also said to me, how would you like someone to keep peeping at you while you were busy growing, which I found quite sweet too.

I’m thinking of you - it really is a tough journey especially after a loss but you will get there and you’ll be helping someone else overcome it in a few years just like I am. Sending a big hug!

Hey lovely, thank you so much for your kind message, this has been so reassuring & so lovely to hear you have your beautiful little girl.

It is so scary, because all I want is to be a Mum and I think I add so much pressure onto myself. I just keep saying, if I can get past 9 weeks I’ll be ok, but I know the anxiety doesn’t just fade, and like my partner keeps saying, nothing I can do will change anything, similar to what you’ve said.

I will definitely have a look into those books, thank you so much again! 💕

Your scan and heartbeat is the main thing. Hcg is not an exact doubling science the range is ridiculously huge - and the amount of extra worry that’s caused by women examining the numbers is not worth it.
Mine only rose 70% this time round and I was told it was suboptimal, I’m 18 weeks now.
My gp would certainly not agree to do hcg tests and I’ve had a MMC and two ectopics (only had it this time under my ivf clinic - and I wouldn’t do it again!!).
So many women on here have had losses and have felt the same, but what will be will be - I know we think it’s better to be prepared and know asap but honestly, if it is bad news knowing a little earlier it won’t make it hurt any less if/when it happens.
hopefully this time around all goes well for you.

You’re very welcome. I’ve been there and it’s really hard. I just wanted a crystal ball to know it turned out ok. But it did, and my little girl is wonderful and I wish I’d enjoyed my pregnancy more.

Give yourself little milestones and if you feel an extra scan between your NHS ones would help then book that, but don’t go mad. I was probably much better placed spending the money on a spa day to help me relax.

I think 1/5 end in miscarriage, but that means 4/5 don’t!

You have a heartbeat and that’s a really good thing to hang on to. One step at a time xx

From what I’ve read, hcg stops doubling perfectly when it reaches the 1000’s mark, so really don’t think you need to worry! However I know how hard it is after loss not to panic