Need help understanding (possible TW)

[anm52788]

Hi ladies!

I just had a very confusing conversation with the doctors nurse and since this is my first pregnancy (and I know no one who has had similar issues) I was hoping you ladies could help.

I initally thought I was 5 weeks along but I think I’m four as of today, so 3 last week when they started the blood tests. Here’s my story:

I got a BFP on Monday of last week. Tuesday it was confirmed via blood test at my doctor. Wednesday was fine but then Thursday morning I woke Up and had heavy spotting, enough to be concerned and call doctor. They had me coming in already to test progesterone levels (always been low thanks to PCOS) and after the spotting they scheduled an ultra sound (thinking I was 5 weeks and could possibly see something but possibly my not) they didn’t see anything so they had me go for a quantitative blood test right after. Those numbers on Thursday came back at 139, low they said but they wanted to monitor it. So I went In this morning my follow up to see if they doubled and my results came back at 333 so they definitely did double but the nurse who called with the results said they were still low enough to be concerned and between that and my low progesterone level (6.7 and they said they wanted it 7.2 or higher) that there was a high chance this wouldn’t be a viable pregnancy.

So my confusion is this: my HCG doubled which is good, my progesterone is low but I asked for supplements to help that and she was going to talk to doc and call me back. She said my numbers were still low even though they were within range.

Does anyone have experience with things like his or can explain it better? Any help or understanding would be appreciated. I go Back for a follow up on Wednesday to check my levels again but that just seems like it’s going to drag between now and then.

[flyliceandcoffee]

I don't have a lot of experience in this area, but low progesterone levels can affect HCG levels. Progesterone is what causes your HCG levels to rise. So while your numbers are rising as they should be, because your progesterone is on the lower end it's having a hard time keeping up with what is needed. I would definitely push for some progesterone supplements and if they don't give it to you, ask to speak to the doctor directly so he can explain why.

[Nymeria]

I haven't been through betas personally, but I've always heard that the specific number isn't important, the doubling time is. And like you said, you definitely doubled! I hope you see another good jump Wednesday and can get the progesterone supplements going.

[anm52788]

I had researched and knew about the low progesterone from my pcos so I knew To ask. They warned me that it wasn’t covered under insurance so I would Have to pay the 550 for 15 days or 1100 for a month worth out of pocket. The pharmacy called saying it would be a delayed fill bc of insurance and such so I’m waiting for them to call saying it’s ready and we will pay for it out of pocket.

I read In my research though that there’s no proof that progesterone supplement effects wether I would stay pregnant or not but then you and a few other women I know suggested it. This is all very high emotions and confusing. Fx that my numbers continue doing what they need to do and once I start The progesterone, it’ll help. Some peace for my worried heart would even be nice right now too.

[anm52788]

Also- I hear Mixed reviews on betas (which I asume Are HCG levels) numbers themselves versus doubling. Anyone shed some light on that? I’m 4 weeks today and my numbers went from 139 to 333.

[jense927]

Hi anm52788. I am so sorry you are going through this. Your betas are supposed to double every 48-72 hours. It looks like you may have not had blood draws that were 48 hours apart? Thursday and then again on Monday.

www.betabase.info/calc/

That website it helpful in calculating your true doubling time if you had blood draws that were further apart than the standard 48 hours. I hope your results on Wednesday come back great and you can be less worried.

[moonandback141]

((Lurking))

I have some experience with this. I am sorry you are going through this and are in limbo right now.

Do I have it right that your two beta draws were 4 days apart? (Thursday and Monday)? If so, while it did double it didn't do so over the ideal 48 hours. The number itself is not as important as the doubling time frame.

Regarding progesterone supplements, I am of the mindset that while they aren't proven to work and can't "save" an unviable pregnancy, they can't hurt and can only help if the issue is really simply low progesterone. It is encouraged to start those ASAP and ideally, two days after ovulation before you even find out you are pregnant once a low progesterone diagnosis is confirmed.

My history--with my first BFP, I experienced something similar to you--a positive test, then bleeding, betas rising but not doubling as fast as they should, and ((trigger warning)) an eventual miscarriage. I then got a second BFP and simultaneously discovered a low progesterone issue so began supplementation immediately and that resulted in my now 2 year old DD. With my 3rd BFP, I was aware of my low progesterone issue at this point and began supplementing after O. This also resulted in my now 2 month old DD.

Have you been tracking your cycles and if so, have you noticed a consistently short luteal phase? If so, low progesterone may be something to look into. However, sometimes low P is merely a consequence of an unviable pregnancy (meaning it's low bc your body knows it's losing the pregnancy VS being low and causing a pregnancy to be lost.)

I wish you the best of luck and feel free to PM me if you have anymore questions.

[anm52788]

Thank you for your kind words. I dont Have people in my personal life who have had MC or issues with pregnancy at all so it’s nice to have people who understand.

My bleeding in totally lasted 2 days (it was a little heavier than spotting but become faint spotting day 2) and hasn’t appeared since which had me hoping it was implantation. However with the numbers, I cant Help but worry.

The way my tests fell, it was a weekend so they waited. I am Goin back Wednesday and that will be the true 48 hour test period. We decided to wait on the supplements, we’ll hear our test results tomorrow and if they seem promising then we’ll do the progesterone.

This has been a whirlwind bc we were told last fall I couldnt Get pregnant. So this came as a shock, I had Stopped tracking anything and everything. I hadn’t gotten a positive ovulation test since before we tried fertility meds and I havent Had a period in 1.5 years. My body is in shock if nothing else lol

[CharlieB]

anm52788 The other ladies have given you great advice, so I don’t have anything to add. I’m sorry this is happening - the uncertainty is so stressful. I hope you can get some answers soon.

[tbirdlove]

I don't have an wisdom on this, but wanted to offer support. I'm sorry you're on such a rollercoaster ride. Fingers crossed for good test results.

Also, if you do have to pay for your prescription out of pocket - I just went through this with CVS and the woman in the pharmacy was very helpful and tried different coupon codes and managed to get my $900 prescription down to $300-something. So you can always try to ask about that!