Did my illness affect my hCG levels?

[mleuenber]

I recently found out I was pregnant after taking a home pregnancy test.  I had my primary care provider verify it with a lab urine test and a blood hCG level test (I was very paranoid about a ectopic pregnancy due to my history of painful ovarian cysts).  My first hCG level was 962.  I'm about 3 weeks past conception (I list conception instead of LMP because I completely missed my last period so there's nothing for me to track by and I definitely wasn't pregnant 2 months ago).  My second test, 48hours later, was only around 1450.  Since the rise in hCG wasn't doubled, my doctors advice nurse instructed me to test again.  2 more days later and it's only 2098.  I'm officially on "ectopic precaution" and am told to go to the hospital with any pain or bleeding.  I've had some abdominal pain, but it felt more like digestive problems and it only lasted one day.

My concern is that my levels aren't "doubling" and it's affect on my pregnancy.  So far, all I know is that my hCG levels aren't "doubling" like they should.  I had an ultrasound today that showed a small sac in my uterus... but I also had a "lump" near my right ovary (my doctor couldn't tell what it was).  This is my first pregnancy and I'm very nervous.  Since I've only had negative pregnancy tests after my missed period, I assumed I wasn't pregnant.  Since then, I've had sinus surgery and had anesthesia and pain meds post-op.  I even had a pregnancy test done the morning of my surgery to ensure I could be operated on safely (that was negative)!  Immediately after my surgery, I got a terrible case of the flu which made me stay home for 2 days.  My question is, did all my trauma (surgery & post-op pain meds followed by the flu), affect my pregnancy or hCG levels?  This would have all occurred within the first 1.5-2.0 weeks after I conceived.  I've stopped taking all the pain meds and continued taking my prenatals that I've been taking for the 6-7 weeks.

Am I worrying too much?  Does this sound "normal" or "okay"?  I guess I'm just looking for a little peace of mind.

Thank you for all your help!

[Squeaks57]

What was the end result? My HCG was 12 december 20th. Two days later 54. A week later 1100. Four days later 2400. Two days later 3500. Two days later 5983. They were rising fast at first and now they're not doubling but from December 20th at a level of 12 it should of been... 12-24-48-100-200-400-800-1600 and 3200 yesterday. Today it should be between 3200 and 6400 and it is 5983. BUT doctor says since it didn't double from last number of 3500 then the pregnancy may not be viable. I have an ultrasound scheduled in 3 days. So anxious!!!

[mleuenber]

Thank you so much for responding to my comments.  It's so nice to know that there are people out there to listen to my concerns.  I'll keep updating as I hear.  Right now, my OB/GYN is having me do blood serum hCG levels every 48 hours for the next week.

[Darkestlight]

My HCG levels never doubled and I have a healthy pregnancy so your levels are definitely rising. I wouldnt give up yet.

[JoyRenee]

Levels should double within 72 hours. Some women have slow-rising HCG and still have healthy, full-term babies.

An illness/medication would not affect HCG levels. The embryo gives off the HCG as they grow, not your body.

I wouldn't worry! Your levels are rising. They're really close to doubling and if they were checked every 72 hours they would be more than doubled. When you're closer to 8 weeks they should give you a sonogram. I have a great feeling that all will be well. Keep us posted on the progress of your pregnancy and I hope you stick around here!!!