Questions & Answers

I hope your issue has resolved. If you are re-testing to ensure that your pregnancy is viable, keep in mind that HCG has a half-life of 24-36 hrs. So if your level were about 50, after a day or day and a half, it would be at 25, and so on. It does take a while get back to zero. I would wait a few days before re-testing, so you would know if you had dropped below the sensitivity of the test. I had to have beta HCG tests done to see my levels back to zero after a certain type of miscarriage at 10 wks, and it took 5.5 months to get to 0.5, when they finally said I didn't have to get poked anymore (and could finally get pregnant again). Do let your OB know that you spotted, though. I have had spotting in two different pregnancies, this one, where it was brief and the ultrasound still showed a little heart beating when I went in at 6 wks, and the other in which it lasted from wk 4 onward, and was symptomatic of a problem that required intervention. Just be sure they know.

Don't be alarmed if tomorrow's test isn't much darker than today's. You don't tend to see a significant rise in hcg from one day to the next, but instead look to see your level double every 48-72 hours at this stage. The bleeding is hard to gauge. First trimester spotting is common and often a result of engorgement of the cervix, yeast infection, or even implantation this early on. Painful cramping can be a bad sign, however in my experience, I have menstrual-like cramps in the first few days, as well as a lower back ache. It's so scary and you feel helpless. Waiting is torture, I know, though that's all you can really do. Be sure and make it a point to get plenty of water as dehydration can cause contractions and bleeding even this early. Congrats and best wishes!

Retesting in the morning with FMU to compare to this mornings test. Calling the midwife if I am still bleeding, in pain, or anything else doesn't seem right, tomorrow.