QuestionHello, Dr and thank you for taking the time to read and answer my question. Back in November, I felt pregnant and confirmed the results on the 11/29 with 3 Dollar store pregnancy tests. Due to insurance difficulties I have not yet been to see the OB. (I definitely tried.) Yesterday afternoon, I began lightly bleeding. I rushed to the ER. They told me my hormones were at 3300 and I was probably between 7-8 weeks pregnant. They did a vaginal ultrasound and a sac with blood around it was detected. My baby was no where in sight and a heartbeat could not be heard. I immediately knew what they were not telling me. I have been in this situation before, six years ago. They also said I had several cyst rupturing on my ovaries which may account for some of the pain. They sent me home with info regarding "Threatened Miscarriage" and few answers.
Doctor is it possible that I got pregnant the week a very cheap urine pregnancy test said positive? Is it possible to be have all these complications (no pole, no heartbeat, bleeding, etc.) and yet everything really be okay? My hope is almost gone and I can't fathom a single reason why I should hang on to any. Any answer would be more than appreciated.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!
Indianapolis, IN
AnswerHello Crystal from the U.S.,
A urine pregnancy test cannot detect a real early pregnancy, so you could not have gotten pregnant the same week of the test.
With a bHCG of 3300, which is a low number, this could indicate that the pregnancy is not very fare along, which would be consistent with the ultrasound findings of no fetus detectable, or it could mean that the pregnancy is not normal and the level is dropping, hence no detectable fetus. I would prefer to go on the assumption that it is just an early pregnancy. Ultrasound can only detect a uterine pregnancy with a bHCG of 2500. So in the range of 3300, it would only show a gestational sac since the fetus as not developed large enough to be seen. What should have been done, is the bHCG should have been repeated 48 hrs later. That would tell us if the pregnancy is progressing or not. If it goes up, then an ultrasound can be repeated in 1-2 weeks.
My recommendation is to see an Obstetrician as soon as possible. Your ER should have referred you to the one that is on call so that you can be seen right away. Never give up hope.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on facebook and twitter with me at @montereybayivf
