I go here... I think?

[jules1614]

According to the stick I go here. But I am not convinced. I had a loss and D&C in January. I got a short period in February. My H and I were NTNP. I should have got AF yesterday. I was feeling crampy and decided to wait until today to test- Positive- but I feel like the line should be darker- it's not a squinted but it's lighter than the control. I wasn't temping or really tracking ovulation.

I'm feeling nervous and anxious and still crampy. I do not feel pregnant like I have in the past. I am kicking myself for not taking a pregnancy test right after my period to prove it was negative then. My MD did not track my levels to zero after the D&C because it is not their routine and she felt confident she got all the tissue.

I know I can probably call and ask for BETAs- but honestly I don't know what I am asking for or what I would hope for with the results.

Any info on BETAs would be great. If this is not the place to post this please let me know.

Thanks.


UPDATE:
Beta #1 59
beta #2 182 after 48hrs!!

First appointment will be 4/10 for u/s

Thanks again for all your info!!

[bootsorhearts]

Welcome and congrats! You can definitely ask for betas. They will take a blood sample to check your HCG and then check the level again in 2 days. It should roughly double after two days. Hope that helps and good luck!

[shandorfml2]

Of course you can post here. I agree with bootsorhearts, calling for betas would be appropriate! I would think if you still had HCG in your system from your D&C after having a period, then it would be extremely faint. Sounds like you are just early pregnant.

[cnf2013]

Congrats and welcome!

I also had a loss in January but my doctors do track to zero as part of their loss protocol. Absolutely call and ask for betas. I did and it was good peace of mind.

[grneyes]

Welcome and congrats! I agree with others and you should ask for betas. It's fine to ask for an earlier ultrasound too, especially around your loss milestone for peace of mind. It depends on what brand of test you are using, but the line will not be the same as the control until hcg gets close to 300-500ish (First Response). For cheapies, I didn't get super dark lines until my hcg was around 700. For reference, doctors are usually looking for a hcg level of around 100 at 4 weeks, but the doubling time is much more important. There are many ladies who have had healthy babies that started with hcg much lower than that.

[MissSally]

Welcome and congrats! Definitely ask for betas, but I wouldn't worry too much about the strength of the line! I never got a line darker than the control. The dye varies from test to test and as long as you have a line, there is HCG in your system.

[peggels24]

Congratulations and welcome!

[jules1614]

Thanks ladies! I called and the receptionist was just not as compassionate as I expected but maybe I'm just being over sensitive? The nurse that called back though was awesome and put in the orders right away. She even added a note so I could call over the weekend with Friday's result if I need to for peace of mind. She also said it would be fine to schedule the U/S a little early.

I'll update after I get my BETAs but thank you all so much for the responses!!

[Rama]

jules1614, Congratulations! You definitely are in the right place.

Betas are pretty simple -- they'll do a blood draw to check your levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin AKA pregnancy hormone) and another one approximately two days later to see how they are rising. In early pregnancy, they want to see the number grow to about double (can be slightly higher or lower than double) for a normal pregnancy. They may want to do a few betas (anecdote: I got four) to see a good growth pattern.

Definitely ask for betas. It's a good indicator of a healthy pregnancy; waaaaay better than lines on a home test.

[cali]

Congratulations and welcome. I'm glad to see you requested betas. Good luck!

[muscari]

Congratz and welcome. Glad you were able to speak to a nurse who was compassionate and that you are getting betas drawn.

[inaya]

Congratulations!!! I'm just lurking but am happy to see you in here!

You want at least two sets of betas drawn, and the doubling time is typically 48-72 hours for early pregnancy. Outside of that range can be fine, too, but on average they double every 2-3 days. And don't let a nurse or anyone freak you out about the actual number unless it's extremely low; I've heard plenty of stories of early betas being lower numbers than they're maybe used to seeing or something and they act all worried when things are perfectly normal.

[luciddreamer]

Congrats! Welcome, this is definitely the right place for you. I agree on asking for serial betas, they're much more reliable than HPT.

[therealbug]

Congrats and welcome! Glad you are getting betas set up and your nurse was compassionate.

And shame on your doctor for not doing a beta post d&c to make sure you were at zero.

[jules1614]

The lab lost my blood 😤it's partially my fault- they did a TSH level since I have those standing orders as well. I didn't verify they were doing the BETAs. So they were supposed to add them on but a las, can't find my sample. So I'll get it redrawn tomorrow and then Monday.

In good news I cried over something I normally wouldn't and my TSH is way higher than it was a month ago (happens with pregnancy) so maybe this is the real deal!!

[Rama]

Mar 23, 2017 18:49:29 GMT -5 jules1614 said:

The lab lost my blood 😤it's partially my fault- they did a TSH level since I have those standing orders as well. I didn't verify they were doing the BETAs. So they were supposed to add them on but a las, can't find my sample. So I'll get it redrawn tomorrow and then Monday.

In good news I cried over something I normally wouldn't and my TSH is way higher than it was a month ago (happens with pregnancy) so maybe this is the real deal!!

Wait, so they drew your blood for the beta and then LOST it?!

[jules1614]

Mar 23, 2017 18:53:04 GMT -5 Rama said:

Mar 23, 2017 18:49:29 GMT -5 jules1614 said:

The lab lost my blood 😤it's partially my fault- they did a TSH level since I have those standing orders as well. I didn't verify they were doing the BETAs. So they were supposed to add them on but a las, can't find my sample. So I'll get it redrawn tomorrow and then Monday.

In good news I cried over something I normally wouldn't and my TSH is way higher than it was a month ago (happens with pregnancy) so maybe this is the real deal!!

Wait, so they drew your blood for the beta and then LOST it?!

No- they drew my lab for TSH- I assumed they were doing BETAs but didn't verify- I just went to the lab and said I need my blood drawn- I figured they would see the order for BETAs. The RN had forgot to sign the orders for the BETAs. But we realized the error a few hours later and she called the lab- they said they would add the BETAs to it. I was willing to get stuck again but they said no need. However, they never added it so when I called for the results today it came out that the lab couldn't find the sample... they were going to keep looking.

ETA: clarification

[jules1614]

They found the blood!!

First beta was 59 at 4w 1d. I'll get the second drawn a little later today, the RN said she'll keep watching for the results today and call but she isn't confident it will be in before the office closes.

I know the first number doesn't really matter- but it's hard not to be a little disappointed with a lower number. For the record- the RN did not comment that is was a "low" number, it's just my own research that it "should" be higher.

Finger crossed the blood is processed super quick today and I can get some peace of mind!

[grneyes]

TSH being off was actually a sign for me that this pregnancy might work. I've never had TSH issues in the past or during other pregnancies. I had to start meds for it. There's nothing wrong with an hcg of 59 being the first number - especially if you aren't sure what day you ovulated. FX for a good doubling number!

[jules1614]

I updated the OP but I'm not sure if it's working-

Beta #1 59
Beta # 2 182 (48hrs)

I have an u/s schedule for 4/10. Looks like I'll be hanging out here, hopefully for a very long time

[chknma]

great second betas! congrats!

[leloyd]

Great updates! Congratulations!

[hannah1234]

I am sorry to hear about your loss. I can understand how hard this must be for you. However, dont lose hope! I am sure things will get better. Just ask the doctors to explain to you the reports properly. After this do visit another doctor for a second view on the situation. This will give you a clear sight of the situation. Sending baby dust your way.

[hannaah]

This is great news. I'm so excited to read about your updates. You deserve this! It's honestly amazing news. Especially, after all, that you've been through, you really do deserve this! Good luck with everything. This is a super motivating thread.

[florence]

Sorry to hear about your initial loss. I'm glad I read the updates. Congratulations to you, honey! This is such a beautiful story. I feel really happy for you. You deserve the best. My love and support for you. x