Understanding Slow HCG Rise After Clomid: What to Expect

Question
hello.  I'm in the dark about what is going on with my body and baby.  I have been on Clomid two rounds... well three.  I ovulated around mid july and on day 30 i took a pg test and it said negative.  i then got a period but it only lasted 3 days.  usually i'll last 7.  i started round 3 on day three that was august 3rd or so... on day 12 (aug 10) i was going to start testing for ov but i've been spotting for 3-4 days prior.  so i took another pg test.. positive.  had my beta hcg levels tested and just about every two days since.  Here's the levels:  187  159  357 398 565   dr says no hope, it's ectopic or something horribly worse... but i dont know what to expect or what in the world is going on.  any ideas?

Answer
Dear Jennifer

These levels definitely deviates from the normal hCG rising levels with increasing duration of pregnancy. However, in 10-15% of normal pregnancies, there is abnormal pattern of hCG rise. My advise is to have a transvaginal ultraound to rule out ectopic pregnancy. This ultrasound should be carried out by experienced sonographer and a high resolution ultrasound machine for accurate diagnosis.

If ectopic pregnancy and abortion were excluded, my advise is to continue monitoring hCG levels hoping that you fall within the normal 10-15% pregnancies with abnormal hCG trend.

I wish you a very good luck.