So my beta today was 584, not 652 like it should have been. My nurse was so chipper when she called with my “great” numbers that I had to call her back after I realized that wasn’t double. She said my RE “wasn’t worried about it,” and that we’d “just check one more time,” then schedule the sono.
I’m so confused. I’ve had a much higher beta—into the 2200s before it crashed—and they still were checking every two days. No one was even thinking about scheduling a sono. So why is everyone okay with this? Is it because my progesterone is high (70 on Saturday, 74 today)? Is it because it’s okay for the beta not to double the first time, but after that it has to double?
All I know is, last time they told me my beta hadn’t quite doubled, but not to freak out about it, I was in the hospital 24 hours later with an ectopic pregnancy and a broken heart.
My friend suggested that maybe there was more than one, but that one has stopped developing. Again, that makes sense to me but I don’t really know.
All I know is that before this, a doubling beta was essential. There was no wiggle room. And now everyone seems pleased with my less than double. I’m confused and scared. Do any of you understand how this works?
I can’t believe I have to go another two days before I can feel good about this. Fuck.
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Shit. This is so confusing. On one hand, if your doc feels good about your numbers, great. On the other, yeah, I thought it was double or nothing, too.
I'm sorry you're facing this crap, yet again. I hope Wednesday brings relief and good news.
Fuck. So frustrating and confusing! Wishing you had gotten a lot more clarity today and weren't still in limbo with all this. Holding hope for you that good news is coming to you soon.
I'm glad they're not worried. I'd just go with that for now. "Only" 85% of healthy pregnancies follow that doubling pattern. That means 15% of healthy pregnancies do not double. And we've all been there (on the remote side of the statistics that is). And you don't even count as part of that 15% yet since you've only done one 48 hour test series. Try not to freak out. I know how impossible that must sound. I'm thinking of you!!
I think the overall accepted rule is that the number needs to go up 66% in 48 hours. You're well above that, so (though it's VERY hard) try to chill, pray/do yoga/cross your fingers/whatever that things will go well (whatever rocks your boat), and hope for the best on your ultrasound. I think there's still a lot of hope here. How many dpo/dper/dpiui are you (sorry, can't remember what you did to get here, now that I'm asking!)?
I'm with Kate -- 66% seems to be the threshold. And I know they are happy once you reach the number (I think 1,200?) where they can start doing ultrasounds, because betas are so unpredictable and variable. I know it's so hard not to worry and think too much about it but if you can, try to just focus on the info you have right at this moment, which is that your nurse and RE are happy with the number. I will be thinking of you and hoping that whatever the number (even if it's less than exactly double), the nurse calls in two days with another chipper tone and comment about more "great" numbers!
This is shitty and it sucks. Being in limbo is hellacious.
That being said, I am holding out hope for fantastic numbers on Wednesday. If it's any consolation, I have a very friend whose betas never doubled and she's got lovely, healthy children.
With you in the meantime...
Son of a bitch. Uncertainty is the worst. But, I have also heard that anything above 66% is considered good. I hope you get more reassuring numbers on Wednesday. You have my good thoughts.
Man, I'm sorry you're in limbo for the next couple of days. I hope you get some great numbers at your appointment tomorrow! I'll be thinking about you.
What everyone else has said. Doubling is optimal, but 66% is perfectly fine. Your RE is happy with the numbers. That means a lot. I know your anxiety won't let up for a while. Hang in there.
Geez those numbers can be so frustrating....mine more than doubled from 1st to 2nd but then did not double from 2nd to 3rd.....so then more than doubled from 3rd to 4th.....there is a long story in between, but we are currently pregnant with a singleton at 12w3d. From what I read they should double in 2-3 days, your numbers seem to reflect less than 3 days.
The beta roller coaster sucks. And with your previous loss, I can only imagine how much scarier it must be. But I think the other posters are correct, 66% is all you really need. By my rough math (584/652) your increase is 90%, which is way more than the needed 66%. Hang in there. My fingers are crossed for you.
Hmmm...along with what all the others have posted I also think there is a certain amount of "error" in labs tests. You is so close that it's probably within a certain confidence interval. I'm wishing you get some very reassuring news soon. The early days are the hardest.
Damnit, I want everything to be perfect for you. I hate that you have to worry about being a few points off (even though based on the other comments may be totally fine?)
I have my fingers crossed for tomorrows numbers.
The waiting is the worst, but it seems like the numbers are actually okay. I always wonder with IVF and transferring more than one embryo how those numbers can be accurate, since it is so likely that one of them started out producing hcg but didn't last very long.
I think if the number is lowish there is more concern that it needs to perk up or it doesn't look good.
In any case, I am holding out a lot of hope for you. Every two day wait seems like forever, but I hope this one brings you some reassurance and optimism.
Agree with a bunch of others ... you are at 90%, which is darn tootin good (My doc says 60% increase is the threshold they like to see). Also believe there may be some validity to those who suggested that perhaps there were more than one at some point, and no only one.
Was there an actual 48 hours in between blood draws?
Keeping you in my thoughts until you report in on your next number.
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