WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for February, 1999: Re: hCG levels in early pregnancy

Re: hCG levels in early pregnancy

From: Dr. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sat, 27 Feb 1999 19:08:27 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: D: "hCG levels in early pregnancy"

At Fri, 26 Feb 1999, D wrote: >
>My doctor is concerned that my hCG level is too low for 5 weeks. She is
>basing 5 weeks on LMP not conception date. The # was 101. Is that #
>too low and does it imply miscarriage?

Your physician is wise to be concerned. A quantitative hCG level of 101 is lower than we usually see at 5 weeks gestation. But, a single quantitative hCG level is not very useful. We usually use "serial quants," hCG levels drawn about every 2 days, to figure out if it is a normal pregnany or not. Early in a normal pregnancy the quant hCG levels will rise rapidly. We always talk in gestational weeks, the number of weeks since the first day of your last menstrual period, which is usually 14 days before the day you actually conceived. If you are "8 weeks pregnant" you got pregnant 6 weeks ago. This level (plus the fact that it was probably drawn because you had some bleeding) means you might be having a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage)or ectopic (in the tube) pregnancy. It is also just as possible that it is a normal pregnancy but you are much earlier than 5 weeks.

Go back to see your doctor as I am sure she asked you to and also ask her these questions. She will be able to explain how she plans to follow your pregnancy until the diagnosis of normal or ectopic pregnancy or spontaneous abortion can be made. Remember in the meantime that spontaneous abortions are common. That doesn't mean your not going to be worried but you should be reassured that if this is a spontaneous abortion it is not your fault and does not mean there is something wrong with you. Unfortunately there is nothing you or the doctor can do to change what is going to happen. The good news...of all women who have bleeding while they are pregnant half will not miscarry.

--
Dr. Wiersma

Next message: Chuck: "Re: Ovarian Cyst: Laparoscopy vs. conventional surgery"
Previous message: Jennifer: "trying to concieve"
In reply to: D: "hCG levels in early pregnancy"

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