HomeAnswersObstetrics and GynecologypregnancyDoes low hCG levels with brown spotting show intrauterine pregnancy?

Can low hCG levels and brown spotting prevent pregnancy?

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

iCliniq medical review team

Published At March 17, 2017
Reviewed AtApril 17, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My wife has brown spotting and mild abdominal pain since a few days. We did beta hCG test three times, and the results were 257 mlU/ml, 437 mlU/ml, and 657 mlU/ml respectively. Once in a while, she feels a sharp pain on the left side lower abdomen. So, we checked for ectopic pregnancy by transvaginal ultrasound. But they did not find any pregnancy in the left fallopian tube or the uterus, except a thick endometrium. The doctor said that the hope for a viable pregnancy is very low and there is still a chance for an ectopic pregnancy. Based on the hCG results, the doctor decided to go for Methotrexate injection. I would like a second opinion on this.

We got married three years ago, and have been trying to conceive for the past two years. My wife had an ectopic pregnancy which ended with right side fallopian tube removal and a laparoscopic surgery was done to remove a block on the left fallopian tube. The tube is open as per HSG test. Currently, my wife takes Thyronorm, Folsafe and Naturogest 200 medicines. She also has mild PCOD and hyperthyroidism.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is very specific to pregnancy becausehCG level when more than 1500 mlU/ml will reveal a pregnancy in a scan. Now you must understand that beta hCG doubles in cases of intrauterine pregnancy once in two days.Since the hCG value is low in your wife's case and it is not doubling, the chances for an intrauterine pregnancy is less. Since there is a history of an ectopic pregnancy and tubal surgery, the chances of an ectopic pregnancy are higher, as your doctor said. It is best to consult your physician and get an hCG test again. Once ectopic pregnancy is confirmed then Methotrexate injection is the best treatment.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks for your reply. But, what if a fetus be present in the uterus? Can we go ahead with the pregnancy then?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If pregnancy is intrauterine, then it can proceed. But first, you need to confirm that. As your doctor has suggested, kindly do beta hCG and follow-up.

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

Dr. Aishwarya Parthasarathy
Dr. Aishwarya Parthasarathy

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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

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