HCG low

[tjtheminx]

I just got a call from the obstetricians office. The midwife called to let me know that my HCG was low when it was tested (blood test on 17th December)-- was 9+2 then.

He didn't seem to know anything else about my history ( even that I was 9 weeks at that time)but said this is a really worrying sign.

The level was 107,000.

I am 12+1 today. I haven't had much MS ( but generally don't have MS in pregancy anyhow) but have plenty of other symptoms.ie constipation, knackered, enormous boobs.

I am freaking out, crying and terrified. I have had 2 mc before at 12 weeks and also at 18 weeks. I really really don't want to have to face into all that again. I have tried to remain in denial in this pg to protect myself from the fallout of mc but I really was getting comfortable with the idea of being pg ( even wearing maternity clothes today )

I am due to see him tomorrow - but he didn't sound at all reassuring... and am scheduled for a CVS on Friday because of the previous mc at 18 weeks.

DH and I haven't told anyone about the pg yet. We are so cautious becuase of the last time. I should be telling everyone now becuase I've reached the 12 week mark but now am back to square one.I was so positive this morning.

I wish he had waited to tell me when I see him tomorrow at least then he could have checked the heartbeat etc to reassure me at least.

Is 107,000 at 9 weeks very low? I had a scan that week and everything looked ok then.

sorry for the rambling

Hmmm, that doesn't seem especially low to me. As far as I know, it can peak as early as 7/8 weeks and then declines to level off. I think i recall a couple of good sites ... Betabase is one.

Hmm, that link doesn't work. I'll try it again and preview my post this time

Betabase

That works, good!

I think this site would actually be of more use - betabase seems to feature numbers from earlier pregnancy. Taken from the page:
Guideline to hCG levels during pregnancy:

hCG levels in weeks from LMP (gestational age):

3 weeks LMP: 5 - 50 mIU/ml
4 weeks LMP: 5 - 426 mIU/ml
5 weeks LMP: 18 - 7,340 mIU/ml
6 weeks LMP: 1,080 - 56,500 mIU/ml
7 - 8 weeks LMP: 7, 650 - 229,000 mIU/ml
9 - 12 weeks LMP: 25,700 - 288,000 mIU/ml
13 - 16 weeks LMP: 13,300 - 254,000 mIU/ml
17 - 24 weeks LMP: 4,060 - 165,400 mIU/ml
25 - 40 weeks LMP: 3,640 - 117,000 mIU/ml
Non-pregnant females:

There is a HUGE variability in HCG as FrozenNorth's posts demonstrate - try not to worry too much!
I am a bit shocked at such a stupid statement from your obstetrician!

Increase in HCG is much more significant than actual value, it is a qualitative test, not quantitative. I do not know what rate of increase you'd expect at over 9 weeks; in early pregnancy you are looking for at least a doubling in 48 hours.

Are you going to be tested again, or are they offering you a scan or anything else to reassure and support you?

Grrr on your behalf!

Hope everything goes well for this pregnancy .

Thanks FN and PD

That's what I thought... to be fair it's not the obstetrician, he's fab but his male midwife (is he the only one?) does seem to lack a bit in communication skills.

I'm a doctor myself, but clueless about obstetrics ('tis myself after all) but I always thought they do a baseline HCG in uncomplicated pregnancies just to make sure it's elevated within the reference range i.e very low could be mc and very high could be molar pregnancy.

But this midwife is very condescending on the phone and inclined to be a purveyor of doom

I'm seeing him (the midwife) tomorrow and having a CVS on Friday because of prior issues. So one way or the other I will be having at least one scan in the next two days.

Thanks for the replies though. I prefer to get the real answers as I am well aware that doctors/nurses/midwives/medics in general don't always talk sensible!