Understanding Beta-hCG Levels in Early Pregnancy: What Do They Mean?

Question
we have recently been to the hospital due to bleeding whilst 6 weeks pregnant they have done two blood tests to measure hcg the first came back at 25000 the second at 37000 we do not know what this means and the doc/gyn have not realy explained what this means could you put in lamens terms for me is there still a chance we are still pregnante or not we have been told by a sonographer that it is not eptopic (he did a vaginal scan )but he could not see anything in the amniotic sac but said it might be to early to tell because of long menstral cycle could you put our minds at rest either way thanx ian

Answer
beta-hcg levels are used to indicate approximately whether the pregnancy is in the tube (ectopic pregnancy) or to see if the pregnancy is continuing.  If you had lost the baby, I think the levels would have been lower but you need to ask your doctor to explain the tests.

Your sectond test came back higher so it is probable that there is still a baby there, but so small that it cant be seen, it is possible that it is a very early pregnancy. I am sure that your doctor will repeat the tests in a few weeks time. The amniotic sac, which is the fluid around the baby is usually larger than the baby until later in pregnancy.  Ask the questions that you need to ask of your doctor who should be able to answer the better than me as he knows your history.
Chris