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What Causes Low HCG Levels In Early Pregnancy?

Posted on Thu, 13 Oct 2016

Question: Hi Doctor, i just found i'm pregnant. But my HCG seens not high enough which make me worry. My last period started on 20/08/2016. On 19/09/2016 (about just 4 weeks) my HCG was 87, 21/09/2016 it was 175 (around 2 days later). Then i did another one on 24/09/2016, it only increased to 501 (around 3 days later). Was this normal? I used to have an previous ectopic pregnancy. I'm so worry this is going to be another unsuccessful one. Is there a hope this one is going to be ok? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Seems like normal intrauterine pregnancy

Detailed Answer:
Hello mam, thanks for trusting health care magic.
I understand your anxiety about the issue.
The rise seems normal dear but having an ectopic pregnancy previously makes it a little bit cautious to monitor it more.
Best investigation will be ultrasound 5 days later which if confirms a sac in uterus then nothing to worry.
In case you have any other question I will be glad to answer.
Regards
Dr Manisha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Jain (14 minutes later)

Hi Doctor, thank you for your information. I was told that the HCG need to be doubled every 48 hours, in my last case, my wednsday 9am blood test result was 175 and saturday10:30am test only raise up to 501. Following the 48 hours doubling rule i should expect at least 600-700? I'm so confused with those numbers. Could you please explain a bit more to me my result if it looks normal? Thank you! My doctor also mention that my HCG at 501 is at the button line of the 5 weeks mark.. could i ovulate late or implatation late? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Late implantation or poor growth of baby

Detailed Answer:
Yes dear ideally it should double every 48 hours but in your case it has roughly doubled up and there are no adverse symptoms suggestive of ectopic pregnancy.
Indeed the growth is slow or there is delayed implantation.
But in general till ultrasound no test can differentiate between ectopic pregnancy and intrauterine status.
So wait till ultrasound especially since you don't have any symptoms as of now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Jain (55 minutes later)

Hi doctor, so you suggest that it could indicate a potential misscarry? Thats the one im worry about

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
less chances of abortion

Detailed Answer:
Yes dear it can be a slow growth causing poor supply to baby and eventually an abortion.
But chances of abortion are less and a healthy pregnancy gaining good growth in coming days is more.
So just keep taking rest and wait for the ultrasound.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Jain (57 minutes later)

Thanks Doctor. Should I keep my daily moderate level at this time or I should stop exercise now until 3 months later if the pregnancy prograss normal.

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No exercise from now

Detailed Answer:
Yes dear you can continue your routine work but avoid heavy work and definitely no exercise now.
Take good rest and healthy diet. Let's hope for the best and may God bless you with a healthy baby soon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D