HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologybeta hcgWhat should be the level of beta HCG to confirm that I am pregnant?

My beta HCG is 5 with a delay in period for one day. Am I pregnant?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At October 5, 2020
Reviewed AtSeptember 8, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a day late for my period. My beta hCG test came back to 4.9, and my doctor wants to repeat it. Am I considered pregnant since hCG is so close to 5? I have been trying to conceive, and I am currently taking progesterone vaginally during the luteal phase. My basal body temperature remains elevated for 14 days now. But I had a light spotting once 11 days post ovulation (DPO). Please advise.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your question is not very clear, but I will try to address your concern, which I guess is whether it is pregnancy or not based on the beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) value and whatever details you mentioned. As per your doctor's advice, it would be recommended to recheck the values as your present value is just not conclusive enough. If there is a significant rise in the value of beta hCG, then that can be conclusive of you being pregnant. Ideally speaking, if you have regular 28 days cycles, the serum beta hCG value is elevated even four to five days prior to the expected date of periods, that is way before the urine pregnancy test turns positive (which usually happens by the time you skip your periods).

I see that you have been tracking your ovulation days with basal body temperature monitoring, but you had not mentioned any dates like when was the starting date of your last menstrual period. Also, when did you ovulate? And did you check your ovulation by a urinary LH kit, or was a follicular study ultrasound performed, which confirmed the day of ovulation? These dates are important to make a conclusion as to whether the pregnancy is possible or not if checked today and based on the levels on this particular day. Also, it is important to know the regularity of your cycles. The details you mentioned about spotting 11 days after ovulation raise the possibility of implantation bleeding, but without the dates, it is difficult to conclude whether pregnancy has occurred or not. In such situations, if periods are delayed, it would be better to get it repeated as per your doctors advice to see if the value increases or not, to look for delayed conception. Please mention the details like your last menstrual period date, whether regular or irregular periods, length of menstrual cycles range of irregular date of ovulation, and how ovulation was confirmed to make a better conclusion.

Revert anytime for any further information or doubts.

Investigations to be done

Repeat beta HCG as per doctor's advice.

Treatment plan

Continue progesterone supplements as advised.

Preventive measures

Reduce weight.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sravanthi Nuthalapati
Dr. Sravanthi Nuthalapati

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

progesterone tabletbeta hcg

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Obstetrics and Gynecology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy