Resolved question:
Hi there! I am a 35-year-old who had a successful pregnancy resulting in a live birth in Feb. 2012. I had a missed miscarriage in March of this year, resulting in a D&C on April 8. My last period was on June 22. I ovulated (according to a ovulation predictor kit) on July 3 & 4. I began having nausea, vomiting, and cramps on July 10. I tested positive for pregnancy on July 15. My OB brought me in on July 16 to test my hCG levels; the result was 168. I went in on July 20 for a second blood test; the result was 1000. It seems like these numbers are much higher than they should be for the dates? I made the mistake of consulting Dr. Google, and saw that high hCG markers can be an indicator of Down's or multiples. Am I misreading the numbers?
Additionally, my nausea has subsided dramatically in the past four days, while my cramping has been increasing (the location varies from side to side as well as generally across the abdomen). I have had no spotting of any kind (and did not for either previous pregnancy).
I'm usually a very rational person. I handled my miscarriage in the spring very practically: it was not viable, there wasn't anything I did to cause it, etc. But this pregnancy has turned me into an anxious person I am not recognizing.
I like information and scientific explanations, so anything you can offer is very much appreciated. I will return for a third hCG blood test today.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
OBGYN
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com
B HCG levels are extremely variable, they are NEVER used for dating a pregnancy, because they vary from person to person.
I will provide a link for you, and you can see that what is considered ' normal ' , varies tremendously, and there is a huge range that comes under ' normal '.
Here is the link -
http://americanpregnancy.org/while-pregnant/hcg-levels/
Yes, your values are slightly on the higher side, but nothing ominous.
I would not jump to any conclusions, a strong healthy viable single intra uterine pregnancy might have robust values too.
Wait for the 3rd test, and even then, nothing is conclusive until you have an ultrasound scan at around 6 weeks.
Only that will be definitive and conclusive, the rest is speculation.
Multiple pregnancy is what is remotely possible, not Downs.
Downs is SUGGESTED by a conjunction of high B hcg ( unconjugated, which is not even measured by this specific test that you had ) and low values of 2 other hormones, and that too around 11 - 14 weeks.
Please, you are so rational, do NOT resort to Dr. Google, it will only add to your anxiety and confusion.
Relax, wait until your scan.
ANd yes, cramping and nausea are subjective.
No more nausea does not mean anything either ways, but if the cramping is bad, talk to your doctor about progesterone supplementation, in view of the earlier miscarriage.
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further.
Hope this helped you to some extent ?