QuestionI am 27 and 9w by US and 10w from LMP pregnant.I had 2 mc before. I had 4 hcg tests done. First was 1400 at 5 w(LMP), second was 11,000 at 6 w(LMP), third was 50,000 at 7w(LMP) and forth was 703,000 at 9.5w(LMP). My first us was done at 8.1w(LMP), it shown a single pg 7.1w and hb at 152bpm, 10.9mm crl. There was also a resolving hemorrhagic
cyst on my ovary. Second us was done after my hcg levels came back at 703,000 at 9.5w (LMP), the us shown 8.6w pg with 184bpm and 22mm crl. Cyst is gone. Everything on us looked good. I was wondering if it might have been a lab mistake or does it mean that my baby has Down syndrome?
Thank you.
AnswerDear Olya,
Typically , the most common reasons hCG levels are higher than normal during pregnancy would include:
- Miscalculation of pregnancy dating
- Molar pregnancy
- Multiple pregnancy
Irregardless of pregnancy, high hCG levels are found with trophoblastic disease or germ cell tumors of the ovary.
You cannot use just one single high hCG finding as an indicator for Down Syndrome by any stretch. The necessary test for screening for Down Syndrome does include the hCG, but tests for other things. It is called the Triple Screen. The three measurements are hCG, estriol, and alpha fetoprotein (AFP). If the hCG is statistically elevated, the estriol is lower than normal, and the AFP is lower than normal, it may POSSIBLY mean the baby has trisomy 21, also called Down Syndrome. It would indicate the need for further testing.
I would suspect, with the unusually high finding, your doctor will want to follow-up and get some subsequent readings to determine if it was a lab error or something else. Otherwise, it sounds like your ultrasound findings have been very positive thus far.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
