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What Causes Low HCG Levels During Pregnancy?

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Posted on Tue, 30 Jun 2015
Question: Hello Doctor.I am XXXX.I am pregnant but doctor said that this is not normal reports.I had my last periods on 15/4/2015.I missed my oeriods and got positive result on 19/5/2015.I went for tests and doctor said that my pregnancy is not normal as my HCG is below level.It was 818.2 on 31st,then 936 on 2nd XXXXXXX and again 1211 on 5th XXXXXXX From 2 days I am having light bleeding.I am attaching my reports.Kindly clear the term.Tell me also if i lose it then how many chances of getting healthy pregnancy again?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
don't worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX I have gone through your question and understand your concerns. As per our previous communication, I have mentioned that decreased hCG is present in ectopic pregnancy or abortion. Your ultrasound shows a pregnancy inside uterus, hence ectopic pregnancy is ruled out.
Moreover, the gestational sac is increasing in size over time (from 2.7 mm to 3.5 mm in 2 days) so the pregnancy is still continuing. However, low beta hCG levels are bit worrisome.
But nothing can be concluded till the gestational sac reaches a size of 18-20 mm or you have spontaneous abortion in the meantime.
If there is no fetus seen developing even when the gestational sac is 18-20 mm in size, then it is a blighted ovum and is a non viable pregnancy.
The light bleeding you are having may be due to abortion process starting or due to any bleeding around the gestational sac (subchorionic bleeding, which is generally cured).
I would suggest you not to panic, take rest, avoid heavy work and intercourse and get a repeat ultrasound done on 14 th XXXXXXX 2015 to assess the true status. In the meantime, if bleeding or pain increase in intensity, you should consult an OBGYN specialist to get properly examined, investigated and treated.
Don't be disheartened if you have an abortion, as good chances of next successful pregnancy are there.
Please do get back for further queries.
Regards,
Dr Deepti Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (5 minutes later)
But still my doctor says that its only 10% of chances of getting healthy pregnancy.The answer you gave is totally different in manner.Second thing we just had intercourse 2 days before.Is intercourse weekly or any other day safe during nowdays?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
chances good in next pregnancy

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX chances of healthy pregnancy this time is definitely low as beta hCG is a marker of healthy pregnancy and it is not increasing at good pace in this pregnancy.
However, first trimester miscarriages are mostly due to chromosomal anomalies, and hence the chances of next successful pregnancy is around 60-70%.
Investigations for the cause of miscarriage are usually conducted after recurrent two miscarriages, however you can get it done even after one miscarriage to find out the cause. It is found in various studies that even if all the available investigations for recurrent miscarriages are done, cause is not found in 50% patients. And to make you more hopeful, it is found that the chances of a successful pregnancy even after several first trimester miscarriages is around60-70%.
Regarding intercourse in early pregnancy, it should be avoided completeltly if you are having spotting or pain in abdomen. You can resume it after 2-3 weeks of period of no spotting, preferably after 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Hope you found the answer helpful. Please do get back for further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr Deepti Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (8 minutes later)
Ok thanks.I must be positive here but if lose this time then till how many months we should not plan for the next pregnancy?Is tension also a bigger reason for this bad pregnancy?I am 33 years old and should not take chance for the next pregnancy but my husband always blames me for not being pregnancy.What should I do?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
at least after 6 months

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX you should plan your next pregnancy at least after 6 months if you have a abortion this time. In the meantime, you can get investigated for the reason of miscarriage, if you want. Moreover, start taking folic acid3 months prior to planning conception as it is known to decrease the incidence of congenital anomalies in the fetus.
Youshould discuss with your husband the reason for planning conception after6 months, which is making the body prepared again for a healthy conception, decrease incidence of chromosomal anomalies in fetus and lower chances of miscarriage.
Hope you found the answer helpful. Please do get back for further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr Deepti Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (28 hours later)
I am having proper bleeding now.what should I do now?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (59 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
contact your doctor immediately

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX if you are having proper bleeding, you must be having an abortion. Please do contact your doctor immediately so that proper examination and necessary intervention can be taken.
Hope you found the answer helpful. Please do get back for further queries.
Be strong in such tough time.
Regards,
Dr Deepti Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Deepti Verma

OBGYN, Maternal and Fetal Medicine

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 5064 Questions

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What Causes Low HCG Levels During Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: don't worry Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX I have gone through your question and understand your concerns. As per our previous communication, I have mentioned that decreased hCG is present in ectopic pregnancy or abortion. Your ultrasound shows a pregnancy inside uterus, hence ectopic pregnancy is ruled out. Moreover, the gestational sac is increasing in size over time (from 2.7 mm to 3.5 mm in 2 days) so the pregnancy is still continuing. However, low beta hCG levels are bit worrisome. But nothing can be concluded till the gestational sac reaches a size of 18-20 mm or you have spontaneous abortion in the meantime. If there is no fetus seen developing even when the gestational sac is 18-20 mm in size, then it is a blighted ovum and is a non viable pregnancy. The light bleeding you are having may be due to abortion process starting or due to any bleeding around the gestational sac (subchorionic bleeding, which is generally cured). I would suggest you not to panic, take rest, avoid heavy work and intercourse and get a repeat ultrasound done on 14 th XXXXXXX 2015 to assess the true status. In the meantime, if bleeding or pain increase in intensity, you should consult an OBGYN specialist to get properly examined, investigated and treated. Don't be disheartened if you have an abortion, as good chances of next successful pregnancy are there. Please do get back for further queries. Regards, Dr Deepti Verma