Results

I heard back from my OB today on the blood tests they took last week to check the HCG levels in my blood. According to my OB the levels of HCG are supposed to double every 48 hours. My results showed a significant increase but not double. She is going to have me in next week for another ultrasound just to make sure things are still looking ok.

Now, I don't want to sound like I know more than the doctor but she is making me rather paranoid so my mother and I did some additional research on the subject. Some things we found out:

• In about 85% of normal pregnancies, the hCG level will double every 48 - 72 hours (they only tested me for a 48 hour period).
• Caution must be used in making too much of hCG numbers. A normal pregnancy may have low hCG levels and result in a perfectly healthy baby. The results from an ultrasound after 5 - 6 weeks gestation are much more accurate than using hCG numbers.
• As long as the numbers are going up, the pregnancy is still in 'good standing'
• The hCG levels should not be used to date a pregnancy since these numbers can vary so widely.

• 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 - My level was in the 7000s
    
  • 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: <5.0>
  • Postmenopausal females: <9.5>

On those notes and just keeping in mind that my mom told me nothing was 'normal' about her pregnancy with me brings me a bit of relief. I feel better but will definitely be anxious for my next ultrasound. All of this makes since if I am indeed just starting my 5th week. The appointment I have is on next Wednesday so hopefully I will know more then.

a later note: Wow, I am a reasearch freak! I apologize... just nervous.