My hCG level dropped from 130 to 9. Am I still pregnant?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had a positive pregnancy test, and my hCG was 130. Then, I bled with small clots and had cramps for about an hour. When I went for blood work again, the hCG level came down to 9. They said I am either miscarrying or has lost it. I was about 3 to 4 weeks pregnant. The bleeding was not heavy, but I bled like a normal period for three days without pain. I also did two pregnancy tests at home, and they came out negative. I am supposed to go for another blood test, but I am very nervous because I do not know if I am still pregnant or not.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Let me put forth a few facts.

Beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone produced by the fetal cells. The level of hCG doubles every 48 hours. So, if the level was 130 mIU/mL, after 48 hours, it should be more than 260 mIU/mL. If the level falls, then it just means the fetal tissue is not growing well. If it has dropped from 130 to such a low rate as 9 mIU/mL, it means the fetus is dead, or it is aborting. The bleeding suggests that the hormone level was falling and could not support the endometrial lining. This is the reason the urine test later was negative. The most common cause of such loss is anembryonic gestation or blighted ovum, and a genetic problem in the fetus. Initially, growth was there, but as the health is inadequate, bleeding occurs. It does not need any evaluation. Just forget about the past and try for the next pregnancy after three months. Before trying for the next pregnancy, have blood sugar tested (fasting and postprandial) and thyroid profile. All the best.

Thank you.