2nd beta bad, 3rd beta good - what does this mean??

[Allip77]

Hi, I'm hoping someone knows more about betas than I do!

My first beta was 167 but second beta only 218 (up 28%).  Not great news, but my RE said perhaps there was a vanishing twin.  Third beta was 760 so my RE said GREAT and even indicated there could be twins still although unlikely.

So....does the fact that my beta didn't follow a normal doubling pattern indicate that I have a higher likelihood of miscarrying, or since it ultimately wound up okay, are my odds just as good as if they doubled normally?  Does anyone know?  Does anyone have any similar beta pattern who's having a good pregnancy?  THANKS!

[Redhenful]

Things sound great!! :o)

[trying43]

Sometimes when they take your beta they get it before your levels actually have a chance to rise so giving you a reading like they didnt double.  So very possible when they did your second test they caught it before it had a chance to double.  I wouldnt worry, sounds like things are off to a good start.  Good luck.

[Allip77]

Thanks to you both!  Yes, I"ve decided to quit worrying about it and enjoy!  Thanks!!

[Allip77]

Beta is a measure of how much of the hormone HCG is in your body.  You probably know that HCG is the hormone your body releases when you are pregnant.  Home pregnancy tests are testing for HCG when they give you a pregnant/no pregnant result.

[trh0819]

I agree with Adgal... one indicator and certainly one we place a lot of emphasis on but if your numbers are rising and your RE is happy with the third test, I'd go with it.  That's why they test multiple times and will generally test until you reach a certain point or the RE feels you are good to go. I only had two and now I'm 23 weeks pregnant. The u/s will be the best "test" at this point so hang in there and enjoy being PREGNANT!

[Nolta]

I was wondering the same thing RavenT.

[RavenT]

What is 'Beta'????

[adgal]

I have heard of this so many times on this forum.  Beta's get off to a slow start then take a big jump and everything is fine.

Here is what more then one OB has told me (including my own).  Beta's are only 1 tool used in helping to determine viability of a pregnancy. Less and less emphasis is being put on doubling times of Beta/HCG and as long as they are rising, its a good sign. Now that early u/s is available, that is a far better tool in determining how a pregnancy is progressing.

Honestly, I seriously doubt this is any indicator of a higher chance of loss.  I just think these things happen sometimes.  I truly cannot begin to tell you how many women have had their beta numbers get off to a slow start then all be absolutely fine.  My OB will not even do the tests 2 days apart unless she is concerned.  She makes me wait a week in between!

Congrats on your good news!!!!  I am so happy for you, I know how worried you were!!