HCG levels doubling every 4 days instead of 2 - PLS HELP

[Anonymous]

I am about six weeks along and having some issues that I fear may mean an impending miscarriage.
Basically, had blood test last Thursday, HCG of 8000. Had some bleeding over the weekend, then blood test Monday, when level was at 15,900. So double over 4 days instead of 2, which my doctor advises me is normal. Also had an early u-sound and saw a sac in the uterus, although my doctor felt the fetus was much smaller than should have been.
He is "not optimistic" and advising me to have another blood test tomorrow and if the numbers don't double to sked a D&C. I really do not know what to do. Anyone had an experience where there HCG levels did NOT double as expected and then go on to have a healthy baby? Thanks so much for any advice.

[Anonymous]

When your numbers are as high as yours they don't double every 48 hours, they slow down, so no worries there. If you haven't already go to betabase.com and plug in how far along you think you are and it will tell you your exact doubling time, and what people with similar numbers have experienced as far as successful pregnancies. As far as the bleeding, I had bleeding at 6 weeks. It was unexplained and I am now 36 weeks pregnant. Also the sac might look small but you might be off in terms of gestation. There is nothing that can ease your mind, but I wish you the best of luck!

[Anonymous]

I went in for an ultrasound at 6.5 weeks and they saw nothing but an empty sac. Doc was concerned so she ordered blood tests. They called to tell me that the numbers had not doubled like they'd hoped, so they were pretty doubtful it was viable. I went back in (around 7.5 weeks) and was on the table with my list of questions relevant to miscarriage when the doc said "let's do another ultrasound just to be sure" and next thing you know she said "and there's the heartbeat!" I'm now 26 weeks along and all is good so far. Every situation is different and you just never know what may come. I hope yours turns out well! If it were me, I wouldn't let them tell me it's definitely not viable until they do another ultrasound.

[Anonymous]

Hugs to you - this is so stressful. Hurry up and wait situations are the worse.

I would NOT let them do a D&C until I knew for sure - if the numbers are going up I'd give it a chance as long as I possibly could.

[Anonymous]

At six weeks it is hard to tell from the ultrasound what is going on with the fetus yet. I'm really surpirsed your doc is already talking about a D&C. I think you still have a good chance. Hang in there and stay positive! I've heard many stories of women going for another ultrasound at 7 weeks and everything looking fine.

[Anonymous]

Switch doctors. This sounds like something similar my OB said to me when I had a similar issue at around 6 ish weeks with my now 18 mth old DS. He actually told me 'it doesn't look good in there', and told me to expect to m/c in the next week or so. Well, a week later, in a different OB's office, they found a strong heartbeat and all was well. FWIW, I also had some bleeding and not super strong beta numbers. It's very early in the game for the u/s to show everything, in a few days, there might be a huge difference. Please keep us posted and best wishes to you!

[Anonymous]

Just bumping so you'll update us!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Can't tell you how much I appreciate these stories and words of support. Just heard back from my doctor and the news is worrisome, but again, not entirely certain: Between Monday and Wed, my HCG levels went up another 5,000 to 20,000, at about 6-6.5 weeks. (This is consistent with my last result, where my levels were doubling every 4 days, instead of every 2.) My doctor says his strong sense is still that the pregnancy is NOT viable, but we'll wait until Monday for an ultrasound to see if the fetus is growing or not. At that point, if fetus is not growing and he does not see a heartbeat, he recommends a D&C. I've decided we'll take it from there...
Sad and nervous, but also really confused. I just wish I knew what to expect, either way, although I guess this uncertainty and having to be patient is good practice for parenting, eventually : )
Thanks again for sharing your encouraging stories, it definitely helps to know that even a few people have been in similar positions where everything has worked out.

[Anonymous]

sorry OP!

but wait for the ultrasound. I'm surprised to see so many stories similar to my own--bleeding at 6 weeks, HCG levels not rising as expected and then "not good' findings on ultrasound. I was scheduled for an ultrasound a week later basically as a formality before a D/C and then there was the heartbeat and now (knock on wood) i'm 28 weeks. So stay strong, pass the time and see what happens monday.

[Anonymous]

what's with the pushing a d&c?! my doc would much rather i pass naturally at that early stage.
good luck. i had an early m/c in january (passed baby at about 7.5 wks). i'm pregnant again and am now firmly in the 2nd trimester. it'll happen for you as well. sorry you're going through the waiting, worrying. it was truly awful. hugs.

[Anonymous]

Bumping - good luck today! I would definitely wait until your at least 7 1/2 weeks before calling in quits.

[Anonymous]

OP - just wanted to agree with all the others who said to wait and see what happens before you do a D&C. I am now on pregnancy #3 and each time I've had early awful-looking ultrasounds - with terms like "possible ectopic," "empty sac," and "blighted ovum" getting tossed around. ALL three have progressed - slowly - but progressed into a regular looking fetus when they're ready.

It's so hard not to be scared and worried, but give it some time. i like to think of my kids as late bloomers in utero.

[Anonymous]

Another wait and see vote here. I don't get why the doc is pushing a D&C either.

My now eight year old was supposedly completely absent from my uterus at one point early on. My date of conception was miscalculated. First he was ectopic, then he was already miscarried (but where was I when this miscarriage happened?), then he was still ectopic and I needed a shot of methotrexate.

Well, guess what showed up on the follow-up ultrasound? Yep. A 5 wk embryo with a heartbeat. OK, thanks for your help, medical practice! I left for a CNM practice immediately thereafter.

I know it's easier said than done, but try not to give up, freak out, or rush into a decision right now.

[Anonymous]

This is cynical, but he gets paid for a D&C. If you miscarry on your own, no payment.

[Anonymous]

Just checking in on the OP. Hope you are doing ok and sending good thoughts your way