Understanding hCG Levels After a Miscarriage: What to Expect

Question
Hi Sarah,
I started miscarrying on the 7th July, when I was 6 weeks and had a reading of 2800 HcG. Since then I have been tested every week, and it has been steadily dropping off, from 2800 -> 1800 -> 800 -> 425 but then this monday (the 27th July) I had a reading of 300, with a drop of only 125 over the week. I have had a miscarriage before, and the reading went back to 0 within days, so I am concerned about the fact that it's taking a month or so.

Is it possible to still get pregnant with such high hcg levels? I'm also worried about my body still 'feeling pregnant' as even with regular exercise and eating healthy I seem to be expanding. It's driving me nuts.

Thanks for any advice.

Answer
Hi Pippa
        Every miscarriage is different. It can take an average of 4-6wks for hCG to drop down to zero.
If you have been trying again for a pregnancy then it is possible that you could be pregnant (women are VERY fertile soon after miscarriage), this will show up as a rise in hCG in your next blood test.

It's normal to have mild pregnancy symptoms with hCG in your system but these should fade and disappear as your levels drop, not worsen. However, as pregnancy symptoms are hormonal in nature and are very similar to pre-menstrual symptoms, it's easy to confuse them with a new pregnancy. The expansion you talk about could well be bloating or water retention which is not unusual, I had this after my miscarriage too!
Because of the timings of your 'due' period and possible pregnancy, it is hard at this stage to clarify what is going on.


I would take things easy for now and see what your next blood test shows. If you are pregnant you would be in the very, very early stages. If you are not scheduled for any more tests, I would wait a week or so and take a pregnancy test.
Your periods may not return for another 8wks or so, but if they have not returned within 12wks (or earlier if you suspect that you're pregnant) then pop along to your doctor to ensure all is ok.

I hope this has helped. Please do come back if you require any more help.

Kindest Regards
Sarah