Quantitiative hcG tests
 

Hi all,

I've noticed in some postings that people get a "quantitative hcG"
test early in pregnancy to ensure that the hcG levels are rising and
doubling as expected, or it seems from some posts that it helps "age"
the fetus if conception date is not known. I only had a qualitative.

When I went to my dr., he basically said "stay healthy and we'll see
you at eight weeks". So are the quantitative hcG tests something
people are seeing as routine to other doctors, or are they primarily
given when m/c is feared? I am new to this whole process and want to
make sure I'm doing everything I should. Is this something people ask
for, and if so, when?

Any info appreciated.

Thanks,

Donna

Quantitiative hcG tests
 

DL wrote:

When I went to my dr., he basically said "stay healthy and we'll see
you at eight weeks". So are the quantitative hcG tests something
people are seeing as routine to other doctors, or are they primarily
given when m/c is feared? I am new to this whole process and want to
make sure I'm doing everything I should. Is this something people ask
for, and if so, when?

They are not routine under normal circumstances.
If you have no reason to suspect problems, there's no need.
Heck, there's no need to have a doctor do a pregnancy test
at all in most cases. I've had three healthy babies and
have never had a doctor do a pregnancy test.
Don't go into this assuming that the more tests
you get, the better off you and your baby will be. The
opposite is sometimes true. Approach testing during
pregnancy like any other health care decision--be critical.
Ask why it's necessary, what happens if you don't do it,
what happens if you wait, what constructive can be done
with the knowledge gained, etc.
In your case, you already know you're pregnant,
and with no reason to suspect trouble (from either your
history or current symptoms), it is very unlikely that
you would get any useful, actionable information from
serial quantitative hCG tests.

Best wishes,
Ericka

Quantitiative hcG tests
 

"DL" wrote

I've noticed in some postings that people get a "quantitative hcG"
test early in pregnancy to ensure that the hcG levels are rising and
doubling as expected, or it seems from some posts that it helps "age"
the fetus if conception date is not known. I only had a qualitative.


If you read more of those posters' messages, you will see that they have had
either several miscarriages or have undergone fertility treatment in order
to get pregnant. Serial hcG numbers are not required for normal
pregnancies. Be thankful that you don't need them :-).

Jean

Quantitiative hcG tests
 

On Fri, 28 May 2004 09:34:33 -0700, DL wrote:

When I went to my dr., he basically said "stay healthy and we'll see
you at eight weeks". So are the quantitative hcG tests something
people are seeing as routine to other doctors, or are they primarily
given when m/c is feared?

Quantitative hCG tests are indeed mainly used when m/c is feared or a
woman has other problems that may cause a high-risk pregnancy. In a
normal, healthy woman, many doctors don't even do a qualitative hCG test
after a positive HPT. So don't worry, you're not missing essential care.

--
-- I
mommy to DS (July '02)
mommy to three tiny angels (28 Oct'03, 17 Feb'04 & 20 May'04)
guardian of DH (33)

Quantitiative hcG tests
 

"DL" wrote in message
om...
Hi all,

I've noticed in some postings that people get a "quantitative hcG"
test early in pregnancy to ensure that the hcG levels are rising and
doubling as expected, or it seems from some posts that it helps "age"
the fetus if conception date is not known. I only had a qualitative.

When I went to my dr., he basically said "stay healthy and we'll see
you at eight weeks". So are the quantitative hcG tests something
people are seeing as routine to other doctors, or are they primarily
given when m/c is feared? I am new to this whole process and want to
make sure I'm doing everything I should. Is this something people ask
for, and if so, when?

Any info appreciated.

Thanks,

Donna

I only had quantitative hcG's (Beta hcG) done before my m/c and then again
to confirm that I was actually pregnant again (we got pg 2 weeks after my
D&C and so my Ob wanted to double check that it was a new pregnancy and that
I hadn't got a +ve hpt with any residual hcG from the previous pg).
There is no real need for you to have a BhcG if you are having a healthy
pregnancy.

Amanda

--
DD 15th August 2002
1 tiny angel Nov 2003
EDD 19th August 2004

Quantitiative hcG tests
 

"DL" wrote in message
om...
Hi all,

I've noticed in some postings that people get a "quantitative hcG"
test early in pregnancy to ensure that the hcG levels are rising and
doubling as expected, or it seems from some posts that it helps "age"
the fetus if conception date is not known. I only had a qualitative.

I only got a beta HCG (quant) because I was in the ER with bleeding. And
another 2 days later because if it went up, I'd still be pg, and if it went
donw or stayed the same, we'd know things were over. It went down
precipitously.

I'd have been just as happy to stay completely away from it. If you're a
home pregnancy test junkie, you can actually get a pretty good idea about
doubling/not doubling HCG by taking the same brand of test every other day
or so. See www.jenrose.com/hpt/hpt.htm for more details. The chart at the
bottom gives you a good idea what different kinds of "doubling" can look
like.

That said, even early doubling doesn't guarantee healthy pregnancy, which is
why running off to the doctor for a beta "just because" isn't necessary.
Jenrose