HCG levels in single pregnancy

[gori]

This is my first IVF-ICSI cycle. My retrieval was on Dec 4 and transfer was on Dec 7 [one fertilized embryo]. My pregnancy test was scheduled for Dec 19. But I cheated and got an early test from my gynae's office on Dec 14. Since it was too early, it showed HCG level of 17 [not conclusive]. Then I had another blood test done thru my gynae's office Dec 17. This time the HCG level was 147. So, that means it's a BFP....which is great news!!!!!!!!!! My home test was also +ve.

But this is the thing: Based on what I have read on the internet, it's supposed to only double in 2-3 days but my numbers show that HCG jumped from 17 to 149 in 3 days!!! This seems very high. I am worried about molar pregnancy or could it be twins... but I had only one embryo transferred...NO Assisted Hatching either (that increases the chances of identical twins).

Basically, it was 10 days past transfer when my HCG level showed 147. And the jump was too high too. Does this seem normal for a single pregnancy?? Any advise on this would be great.

My fertility center test is tomorrow Dec 19. But it will be another 2 weeks before they do an ultrasound. So I am very anxious in the mean while. Pls share your number for single & twin pregnacncies.

[seltzer]

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Here are my betas:

10dp3dt = 204
12dp3dt = 511

The third beta was a week later and was over 6,000 (I think around 6,100). I am pregnant with twins, but the dr. thinks one of the twins might be a vanishing twin. I have to wait and see. I have an ultrasound next Monday 12/24.

Molar pregnancies are extremely rare, so I wouldn't even waste my time worrying about that.

[gori]

Thanks Seltzer for the information. My 10dpast3daytransfer Beta was 147 & 12dpast3daytransfer Beta was 675. That means it has quadrupled in 2days. I will have another beta result today. Your 12daypost3daytransfer was 511 & mine was 675 & your case was twins. Can you pls share some more information with me. Did you have ICSI done, if so, was it with Assisted Hatching? We did ICSI for the 1st time, transferred only 1 embryo, did NOT do assisted Hatching due to the risk of identical twins. The suspense is killing me. I don't mind twins but if there are twins in one sac [due to the split], it increases some risks. Twins in two separate sacs is still ok. Any addl info would be great!! Thanks a lot!

[seltzer]

Hi Gori,

This was my first IVF--I did two failed IUIs beginning in August. We did both ICSI and assisted hatching. My partner and I chose this more aggressive approach b/c we paid cash for the IVF and because we have a limited amount of donor sperm. Our son, whom my partner had on 12/10/06, is from the same donor sperm and we want the kids to be related. They transferred two high-quality embryos, one 9 cell and one 8 cell.

Are you afraid of having identical twins? Are there more risks associated with identicals rather than fraternals? I am pregnant with fraternal twins--two gestational sacs. Please let me know your beta result, OK? If you have other questions just ask. Hang in there, I know it's nervewracking

[kholtan]

I am so curious!!!! I think you are having twins! No matter what you ceratinly have a strong pregnancy! Congratulations!!!

[gori]

Thanks Seltzer & Kholtan for your encouraging words. Just got my results: Beta is 1250, which is certainly high for 14 dayspast3daytransfer, even my RSC nurse said that. She said the only thing throwing them off, is my beta levels. Other than that, everything is pointing towards a singleton - we had only one embryo transferred & did NOT do Assisted Hatching [which increases chances of twins]. But the embryo could split. She said, it could split into two sacs or stay as a single sac: identical or fraternal is a possibility & so is a singleton since we transferred one. It truly is Nerve-wracking. Next beta test is on Fri Dec 28 [1 more week]. And u/s on Jan 8. Will keep you posted. btw, have you guys ever heard of someone having twins thru IVF/ICSI if they transferred only 1? Kholtan how many did you transfer? Seltzer, pls keep us posted on your u/s on Dec24. Good luck!!!

[seltzer]

Hi gori,

Did you go to Reproductive Science Center? I went to the one in Lexington, MA. I saw your mention of RSC. Anyway...yes your beta is high, but they told me not to make too much of the betas (not like that is really possible for those of us who worry and obsess!). My doctor at RSC acted like my high betas were not necessarily indicative of twins. For what it's worth, he said they did a study looking hCG levels and did not find a correlation between high betas and multiple gestations. What are the odds of a 3day embryo splitting once it's been transferred? Seems unlikely. Keep us posted. I will let you know tomorrow what happened at my u/s. I am scared even though I've had no symptoms of anything bad.

[kholtan]

I transferred 3 but one was a low grade on purpose. Can't wait until the 8th!!!!! Good luck! I have heard of one implant splitting so who knows??

[gori]

Kholtan, do you know if one implant splits, is it always identical [one sac] twins or is it fraternal [two sacs] twins or can be either one?

[LostGirl]

Gori,
What happened with your story? Are you carrying a singleton or twins? I just happened about this thread and would love to know how things are going for you...
Lostgirl

[gori]

Hi LostGirl, my beta levels were high but have had 3 u/s since then [since I was having some bleeding/spotting]... and all showed a singleton! That is what we wanted! Happy and hopeful for a successful pregnancy, just like we all are
So exciting to hear your BFP news!!! Wow, I would love to know your u/s results which are due today! Pls keep me posted. Tons of good luck & Baby dust!!

[LostGirl]

My u/s went well. Saw one single heartbeat! I think my dh wanted to see two, but I'm obviously thrilled that I am with child. It's crazy. It just feels so surreal. Next u/s in two weeks!!

Lost girl