[mafiamom]

i wanted to post this here, b/c i know the DDC doesn't like to hear about losses AND you ladies will have a better perspective on my questions.

i go for my 8 week appointment thursday. it is just with the nurse to take blood and discuss stuff. last year at this time they took a qualitative hcg. i think had they taken a quantitative hcg, i might have had a heads up about the loss of my baby BEFORE going on vacation and getting the shock of my life there, instead of the more secure atmosphere of my own home.

i am thinking of asking for a quantitative test this time around and i am wondering if you ladies think this is the right thing to do? i dont get my u/s until 10 weeks, and i would really like a little peace since i am coming up on the anniversary of the saddest day ever

so what do you think? will this even do any good? i havent had any betas taken yet, so i wont have anything to compare it against, but if it were low (like it would have been last year) at least i can go to the u/s somewhat prepared instead of the shock i had last time.

sorry, i am rambling. hope this made sense! any and all opinions appreciated

[markswife]

I would ask for the quantitative test and go back in two days to get a second set drawn. The first number isn't going to tell you much but having the second number to compare to will give you some peace of mind. I think anything that can give you peace of mind in a pregnancy after a loss is totally worth it. I think I was about 8 weeks along this time when I had my first beta's done. I freaked out because they didn't double in two days but the doctor was not at all worried because at some point the doubling time slows down the further along you get. As you can see, I'm nearly 37 weeks with my rainbow baby. It really helped me settle down and not be so worried because the first test this time was almost three times as high as my numbers ever got with my first pregnancy.

I hope you get lots of good news at your appointment!!

[shen7]

hun, I know this is a scary time right now, but let me advise you NOT to just take a single beta HCG. There is a super wide range in normal/safe absolute betas in pregnancy, and a single number means almost nothing, it is the rise or fall that tells you what is going on. It could be low and mean nothing (i.e. you could go on to a H&H 9 months), but then you'd be freaking out all through Christmas time for no reason. Betas are often more stress-causing than anything, IMO.

If you could take repeat betas, that would be good, but with the holidays coming up the timing might be unfortunate. (I.e. you'd just have the 1 number to stress about over Christmas weekend.) I'd seriously consider just holding off... the 10 wk u/s will be scary no matter what, I'm afraid (just the way it is with PAL)... I'm sorry you have this timing right now, usually I'd say just get the repeat betas, but with this timing, eh... don't be afraid to discuss it with your midwife of course!!!!!

Good luck!!!!!!

[Halfbaked]

I would ask for 2 betas 48 hours apart but if you can't get them before Christmas, I'd just wait. This far along, they probably won't be doubling but you'll at least be able to see if it's still going up. Why won't they do an u/s until later? I would express your fears and see if just maybe, they would be willing to do one sooner.
Hang in there hon.

[JessP]

I would be a basket case and ask for an u/s over the betas. At 8 weeks they should be able to see the heart beat and that is more important imo. If they won't do the u/s for whatever reason I would do as the other ladies said and ask for 2 betas to be sure the numbers are rising like they should. A single draw won't really tell you much. I pray this is your sticky rainbow baby and you have nothing to worry about.

[Kary♥RN]

I agree with Jess... Ask for an U/S (If your Dr has one in the office).... Since you have had a loss.. and explain just how scared you are... And you just want to be able to enjoy the Holiday... blah blah...... Lay it on... (I would!!) Let us now how it goes!!! Can't wait to see your little bean!

[mafiamom]

i can't thank you ladies enough for your replies. it is soooo strange. i handled the actual m/c better when i was going thru it - now i am a basket case thinking about last year all the time instead of enjoying THIS year!!!~

i am not complaining about being pregnant. i am so thankful i get another chance, i just can't believe the timing .....

again - thanks ladies. i dont know what i would do without your understanding thru this time!

[*SamF*]

I agree I'd ask for a u/s over a HcG.

[j&jmom]

Good luck! I hope you get nothing but good news!

[amandakay29]

Originally Posted by *SamF*

I agree I'd ask for a u/s over a HcG.

I agree with Sam...I don't have a lot of faith in HCG results myself lately

[EJsMommy]

I just wanted to say congratulations on your pregnancy Colleen. I hope you can get an u/s sooner for what you went thru. I do not have any suggestion on the betas.

[dreamer10]

I agree with everyone else. Bag the betas...they are so tricky at this point, and go for the earlier ultrasound. Beg, plead and cry for it if you have to....good luck!