QuestionQUESTION: Hi Brenda,
I am just over 8 weeks pregnant after a miscarriage in March and I am a little nervous!
I had a blood test to confirm my pregnancy around 5 weeks and my levels were HCG 233/Progesterone 18. 51 hours later my levels were HCG 800/Progesterone 28.
I had an ultrasound yesterday which measured me at 7.5weeks. My doctor and the technician commented that the heartbeat was very strong and everything looked excellent. I insisted on having my bloods taken again (doctor told me the ultrasound would be enough but I insisted). I got the results last night which put my levels at HCG 120,000/Progesterone 25.5. Should I be worried that my progesterone has dropped by 2.5 points? My doctor told me not to worry as everything looks great and HCG is really high. When I miscarried in March my levels were much lower HCG 20,000/Progesterone 16 (at 9 weeks and on supplements). She said I am in in normal range and to stop panicking as it could a normal fluctuation. Should I insist on another progesterone test before my next appointment in 4 weeks time which will cost me a fortune but I am will to do it?
Thanks, any advice appreciated.
ANSWER: Lauren,
I can fully understand why you are so nervous. I want you to think about having these expensive tests done for only your piece of mind though. I agree it is horrible to play the waiting game during early pregnancy, especially if you have had a loss, but in early pregnancy, if you are going to lose the baby, there is not much they can do. I am honestly not trying to minimize the importance of this baby by any means, but having your blood constantly drawn isn't going to do anything other than give you a piece of mind. Try to hang in there. I completely agree with what your doctor says about it is a normal fluctuation. The ultrasounds are looking great and your HCG is awesome. Good luck to you!
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QUESTION: Hi Suzanne,
Thanks for your reply. I think I will wait. The doctor is seeing me in 4 weeks for another scan and told me only to come back if I have pain or bleeding. My last pregnancy I had a cyst and a polyp that bled on a daily basis, I guess that is what is making my so jumpy this time around!
Is it normal for progesterone levels to fluctuate like this? The first test was early in the morning and I had had breakfast. The second test was at lunchtime and I had not eaten that day. Would this have affected the results? Do you think progesterone suppositories will work my level keeps falling?
Thanks again.
AnswerHi Lauren,
It is normal to have the flucuations with the progesterone levels. It can change with the time of day possibly. I am not sure it will change with fasting or not.
You will have to ask you OB whether the suppositories would work for you. Every patinet is different. Some will come off the progesterone early, while others stay on until well into their 2nd trimester.
Good luck!
Suzette
