QuestionHi Brenda, my LMP was 3/24/08. On 4/6/08, I had an IUI and on 4/20/08, I tested positive for pregnancy. As of today, 4/29/08, I am 5 weeks & 2 days pregnant. Last night, I started spotting & had mild cramping. This morning, I woke up to moderate cramping & period like bleeding. I went in for a blood test & the results of my blood test showed my hcg levels at 24. The nurse told me things didn't look good but still scheduled a 2nd blood test to be done in 2 days. She told me that normal hcg levels would be 500-10,000 but everything I've been reading on line today shows that levels as low as 18/19 are normal. This is my 3rd pregnancy. The first pregnancy was a molar pregnancy, my 2nd pregnancy resulted in a very normal, healthy pregnancy. In fact, my daughter just turned 4! Of course I'm preparing for the worst but IS there hope? What should my hcg levels be in order to be normal when I go in for my 2nd blood test in couple of days? I tried to supply you with all the information to better help you answer my question. Thank you.
AnswerDear Sara,
The range of normal for hCG levels in pregnancy is pretty broad, but at 5 weeks the hCG levels should be between 18 - 7,340 mIU/ml. Now, keep in mind that 24 really is considered quite low. In fact many home pregnancy tests would not even pick up a level of 24 as a positive reading. The most telling information will come from the 48 hour test. During the first trimester of pregnancy, we expect hCG levels to double every 48-72 hours. So, your hCG level should be at least 48 or more when you have the 2-day hCG run.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
