QuestionHi Brenda,
I was wondering if I should be overly concerned about the rate of rise in my beta levels. At 14 DPO my level was 103 and at 16 DPO it tripled to 363. My Dr ordered another repeating blood test this week. At 21 DPO (5w 1d) my levels came back at 4457. That was great, it meant it was doubling at 1 1/2 days compared to last week. However, today at 23 DPO (5w 3d), my level only went up to 5850. My Dr is concerned about impending miscarriage. The doubling rate dropped to about 5 days, is this horrible for being 5 1/2 weeks? Everything started out really well, can hcg slow down, then pick back up? I've already had 3 losses this year. The thought of another one has me gutted. Thank you for your insight!
AnswerDear Amber,
Typically, the hCG level will double every 48-72 hours in a healthy pregnancy. We begin to become concerned when it fails to do this - even more so than whether the level is within the very broad range of "normal" for the gestational week that you are in.
On a positive note - it IS rising, rather than falling, at this point. Unfortunately, it is not common for the hCG to "slow down" and then begin doubling again. However, I'm sure that your doctor will continue to do a couple more 48 hour hCG levels throughout the next week to see if the level is doubling or almost doubling.
I hope this has answered your question. I wish you well and I will have a good thought for you.
Brenda
