falling HCG, heartbeat on ultrasound(8 weeks)

[counting]

For some background history, I've been spotting, daily, ever since I went off the pill in July. Doctors have not been able to find a reason. I became pregnant in October, had my first positive pregnancy test Nov 10th, had an early ultrasound(because spotting continued into pregnancy) on Nov 24th, dating me at 6w2d(which was earlier than date by LMP, but that was expected), baby had a heartbeat and looked good. Up until last Thursday I had been getting twice weekly serial HCG's, also due to spotting, but ob/gyn told me to stop at 7w because the ultrasound the week before looked good.

Today I had quite a bit of bright red when I went to the toilet, as well as some cramping- so I went to the hospital to get checked out. Waited at emerg for hours with DH, finally got seen after a few hours. Doctor gave me an ultrasound and we did see baby, much bigger than last scan and there was a heartbeat. Again, the bleeding was "unexplained".

At discharge though, they gave me the paper for the blood work they did while I was waiting to be seen to give to my doctor, and I happened to notice my HCG levels are lower than they were before- just above 73000. On Wednesday the 28th, my levels were something like 76000-78000. Now I'm freaking out. The ultrasound had me relax for a minute but now I don't know what to think. I'm terrified I'm losing the baby.

Does anyone know what might be going on here? Am I having a miscarriage even though baby has grown and has a heartbeat? I'm literally worried sick, and now also kind of pissed the hospital gave me my own blood tests results to take to the doctor so now I'm stuck here interpreting my own results and fearing the worst.

 

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Please if anyone has some insight.

 

[flashy09]

It's a little early, but HCG does drop in a normal pregnancy. I would worry less about your numbers and be more concerned with continued red bleeding and cramping. If it clears up I bet you are fine. Hope it works out for you!

 

[counting]

The bleeding yesterday was more than usual.ob/gyn thinks the regular spotting is probably pregnancy unrelated.thank you for your positive reply.things are feeling more positive this morning.i just know I would be heartbroken if I lost the baby after two good ultrasounds and seeing the heartbeat twice.

 

[dixielee1206]

Hi there! I know that I had the same issue. I got off Depo Provera (the shot) and had bleeding on and off for weeks. Even through a good part of my first trimester. My levels fell as well around 10w5d. It concerned me but my OB said it drops at times. I will be 22 weeks tomorrow and I'm carrying a very active healthy little boy. So keep your head up! I know it's hard but unless your doctor sits you down and says he's concerned you shouldn't worry. It's our jobs to grow our babies and theirs to worry about it! =)