QuestionHi, my question is regarding HCG levels...
I had a missed miscarriage at the end of July at almost 9 weeks. Fetus and placenta looked normal and a good heart rate was seen at both 6 weeks and 8 weeks. My miscarriage was induced with Cytotec rather than having a D&E. In the 7 weeks since the Cytotec induction, I have been monitored every week for my HCG levels. The pattern has gone like this:
5 days after miscarriage, levels were 5,000.
2 weeks after, levels were 1226.
3 weeks after, levels were 550
4 weeks after, levels were 155.
5 weeks after, levels were 50
6 weeks after, levels were 26
7 weeks after, levels were 30.
They have been steadily, but slowly falling all except this last reading which was up by 4. I have seen and spoken with all 5 doctors in my office and they are all on the same page that this is acceptable and there is nothing alarming or concerning here at all. Why then have I plateaued this week at HCG of 30? Doctors are not concerned at all and are continuing to monitor the HCG levels weekly. Do I have some residual piece left in there that is yet to come out? I have had some on and off bleeding ranging from light brown mucus to a moderate bleed of 10 days which I actually thought was my period. Why the HCG increase from 26-30 this last week? I had 3 ultrasounds during and right after the miscarriage and 2 different doctors saw nothing out of the ordinary other than probably some left over blood and uterine lining yet to come out. What is the possible explaination for the HCG levels plateauing and actually going up 4 points this last week? I have had no sexual activity since the miscarriage. HELP!
AnswerDear Lisa,
This really is not all that unusual. If there had been a spike of 20 points, I'd be more concerned. 26 is essentially the same as 30 for the hCG level. Yes, it has hit a plateau, but that is nothing to be alarmed about (unless the plateau were at 200).
In general, your levels have fallen slowly but gradually. I would expect that in the next week or two they will be down to <5. I understand your anxiousness to get this all done and over with, but the very worst that can happen is that they will eventually need to do a D&C. And I really don't even foresee that since the scans showed a relatively clean uterus. Try to relax. Stressing over it won't bring the levels down any faster.
I hope this has helped you a bit and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
