291 only means she is very early on. The number doesn't matter as much as the doubling of them. In a viable pregnancy they should double every two to three days. So, in three days they should be close to 600, three days after that 1200, 2400 ect.
Her doctors need to calm down! That sounds like a perfectly wonderful number for less than 5 weeks. It has to begin somewhere. Also, implantation occurs within 2 weeks time so she could have a late implanter, you know? The point is that the HCG needs to start rising; it's not the initial result that should be the deciding factor on what is going on with a pregnancy.
exactlly and if he can't be supportive I say chuck him! Out OBGYN's need to have bedside manners and compassion and brains!