QuestionHi
My LMP was on 25 June 2007, and I did the blood test this Monday, 31 July 07, the value is 75. I am 34, and this is my first prgnancy. there is little brown blood make me feel very worry.But I dont have any pain.My GP asked me to do another HCG test next week. What can be happening to me? Thanks a lot!
AnswerDear Cathy,
The normal values for hCG in early pregnancy are very broad. If your LMP was 6/25, that calculates to approximately 5 weeks on 7/31 (based on a history of regular 28 day cycles). At 5 weeks, the normal range for hCG is 18-7,340 mIU/ml. So, although on the low end, you were within the norm. It may simply be that your pregnancy dating is a bit off and you aren't quite as far along as expected. This early, one week can make a very big difference.
The more important determination is whether the hCG is rising appropriately. We expect hCG levels to double every 48-72 hours in early pregnancy. I'm actually quite surprised that your doctor didn't have you return for a follow-up hCG draw on 8/2 to see if the level had doubled. That would be much more indicative of whether the pregnancy was progressing normally.
As far as the brown spotting, there is no reason to be alarmed yet. Many women have some spotting and/or vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy. Studies show that anywhere from 20-30% of women experience some degree of bleeding in early pregnancy. Approximately half of pregnant women who bleed do not have miscarriages. Unless you begin to experience heavy vaginal bleeding (like a period), cramping (severe like bad menstrual cramps or worse), and/or passing clots or tissue with the bleeding, I would not be overly concerned at this point.
I hope that this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
