Sleep deprived and home alone, I made the mistake of diving into the internet to research hcg levels. The charts are worthless, incredibly broad. I wanted to know, specifically, at what point do the levels slow. I think my level is too early, but I am trying to be more hopeful here!
According to this article http://miscarriage.about.com/od/checkinghcglevels/f/hcgdoubling.htm
hcg is supposed to slow after 6 or 7 weeks from your last period.
For me, it slowed at 6 weeks to the day, but I peaked later than 14 days that cycle and the first hcg was low indicating a later implantation.
I guess 15% of slower than normal rising hcgs do go on to have a baby at the end of 9 months, but they are still associated with signs of complications, even in these case
I also found this article that didn’t have great news: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14664408?dopt=Abstract
And this fun fact…
"Slow-rising hCG. Unfortunately, even if your levels are rising, the failure to double every few days is not a good sign. This type of pregnancy can go on for several weeks, but will almost always end in miscarriage. A single set of tests that do not show a doubling can still be fine. Usually another set will be ordered if you are low or borderline."
Mainly what I had been going on previously is my own pregnancies. I had one pregnancy (Michael) healthy for the beginning and slowly go downhill; another baby (Gabby) that was unhealthy from the start (never doubled in the first draw even), and then Charlie. This baby seems to resemble Michael, which absolutely gave me the most heartache.
M: 514 (16dpo), 1544 (18dpo), 3438 (20dpo), 5271 (24dpo), 5184 (26dpo),
C: 546 (15dpo), 1201 (17dpo), 1838 (19dpo-lab change),, 3365 (21dpo), 12708 (26dpo)
A: 207 (17dpo), 599 (19dpo), 1634 (21dpo), 3219 (23 dpo), 5247 (26dpo)
I am thinking of getting another level. But I am struggling with when it will give me the most information. Would it be 3 ½ days between draws like my last one to see if it went up the same percent or more? I mean, I don’t expect it to double in 48 or 72 anymore. I thought I would find comfort in the Wed ultrasound, but now I don’t. I mean, I really need to see a sac, but that should be a given. But it is unlikely that I will see a heartbeat, so it would be the following ultrasound that will really give me peace. Until then I am left doing betas, I guess, if I want.
My IV was my lifeline before, but now I can’t help but glare at it and think “if you aren’t making my baby healthier, what good are you?” It’s like carrying around a purse 24/7. lol. At some point you want to take off your coat, put it down and stay awhile!
I am on the journey we are all called to-to accept God's will and perfect love. Whether I am white knuckling it with my eyes shut tight or standing up with my arms outstretched enjoying the ride, I try always to let God be the driver and not bail out the side when there are bumps (like IF!). On good days, I trust He won't run me into a tree. :)
