HCG Level 73?

Question

I took an EPT pregnancy test 1 day before my period (2/28/07) was due to start and I got a faint positive. Called my doc's and asked them to run an hcg lab draw for the next day (yesterday). Results came back as hcg level of 73.0, doc wants a re-draw tomorrow to see if the levels are up. LMP Jan 30, 2007.
I'm trying not to worry but 73.0 seems kind of low.
Anyone else's hcg been this low, or did I just find out really early

Answer 1

HCG Levels
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Levels
In the 1970s, finding out that you’re pregnant got much easier thanks to the introduction of tests that could detect the presence of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), “the pregnancy hormone,” in the urine or blood of pregnant women.

Women begin producing hCG about eight to 10 days after conception when an embryo starts to burrow itself into the lining of the uterus. This hormone is measured by home pregnancy tests (HPTs) and, if present, will return a positive result. While HPTs can detect pregnancy about four days before a missed period, a hCG blood test is more sensitive and can detect pregnancy as early as 10 days after fertilization.

What makes hCG detection and measurement such a useful tool for your midwife or OBGYN? As an embryo grows, the level of hCG rises and, as a general rule, hCG beta numbers should double every 36 to 48 hours. A dramatic decrease in the level may indicate a miscarriage, whereas a level that lingers or falls well below the normal range may indicate an ectopic pregnancy. hCG beta levels can also be used to identify a multiple pregnancy.

The numbers in the beta hCG chart below are to be used only as a guideline and should be interpreted by your physician.

For more on the history of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin testing to confirm pregnancy and diagnose certain cancers, see http://history.nih.gov/exhibits/thinblueline/research1.html

3 weeks from last Menstrual Period
5 - 50 hCG in mIU/ml

4 weeks from last Menstrual Period
3 - 426 hCG in mIU/ml

5 weeks from last Menstrual Period
19 - 7,340 hCG in mIU/ml

6 weeks from last Menstrual Period
1,080 - 56,500 hCG in mIU/ml

7-8 weeks from last Menstrual Period
7,650 - 229,000 hCG in mIU/ml

9-12 weeks from last Menstrual Period
25,700 - 288,000 hCG in mIU/ml

13-16 weeks from last Menstrual Period
13,300 - 254,000 hCG in mIU/ml

17-24 weeks from last Menstrual Period
4,060 - 165,400 hCG in mIU/ml

25-40 weeks from last Menstrual Period
3,640 - 117,000 hCG in mIU/ml

http://www.realsavvymoms.com/pregnancy/article.php?category2=8&article=46

Answer 2

My HCG draw one day after my period was due was a 17. Baby is doing great. That sounds right on for where you are, your doctor is doing another beta to check the doubling time, it can warn them of an impending problem or help set you at ease

Answer 3

It's still a positive,
Could just mean it's really early on,
Or perhaps a male baby
HCG is higher in female babies

Answer 4

It doubles every day. Your levels will be higher in no time.

Answer 5

You're doing wonderful, anything higher than a 5 and you baby is safe implanted and on his/her way to your arms! CONGRATS!

Answer 6

I think your levels sound fine. It just may be that your conception date is different than what you thought they were.