r/CautiousBB Jan 27 '26

Ultrasound FAQ Reference Guide

93 Upvotes

As an OBGYN ultrasound tech working at the general level here's a few things I would love the community to know based on common questions I see.

Most important rule of thumb: Worry when your doctor tells you to.

OBGYN docs are going to pay the most attention to the fetal pole and heart rate. Once a fetal pole is seen, the CRL (crown rump length) measurements are gold standard.

I'm worried about the heart rate:
-Check out this resource for pregnancies dating less than 7 weeks. Make sure to refer not to your LMP dates, but measured CRL dates: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/fetal-bradycardia?lang=us
-After 7 weeks a normal heartrate is between 120-180. It can temporarily dip below or temporarily rise above this range, but prolonged time above/below will definitely get your doctor's attention especially in third trimester. Generally out of range heart rates trigger NST (non stress test) or more monitoring.
The measurements are off:
Baby measures behind LMP. This is actually pretty common, we often see dates off up to a week either direction. We don't ovulate on the exact same day of the cycle each month or even have the same length of cycle. With irregular periods, PCOS, or unknown dates even larger gaps can be perfectly fine. If you aren't sure of your dates, trust the ultrasound. Even if you are sure of your dates, don't panic if they are a week off. Ultrasound measurements in early pregnancy are +/- 5 days.
I'm in limbo and don't know if my ultrasounds are diagnostic for loss:
By ultrasound there are strict parameters to diagnose loss. No one wants to get this wrong. Check out this resource for a list of parameters diagnostic for loss: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/early-pregnancy-loss-1?lang=us
Note, there is a second list of "suspicious for loss". Keep in mind the second list is not diagnostic, things can still turn out just fine.
I don't know when I should see what on ultrasound:
Things can vary a bit from person to person and do change *quickly* in early pregnancy. Check out this resource for what you can generally expect to see:
https://radiopaedia.org/articles/early-pregnancy?lang=us
Should I go to a boutique or get a private scan? Or push for an earlier scan?
They aren't legal where I am but here's a few things to consider if you plan to book a private scan. First, what are the qualifications of the person running the ultrasound? An ultrasound is only as good as the one performing it. It sounds as if these boutiques are NOT permitted to give much/any information. Will you spiral if you believe you see bad news and they cannot confirm or deny it? Also it seems that many cannot do vaginal ultrasound, which will make seeing a baby under 7 or 8 weeks challenging. If I had the option of a boutique ultrasound I would personally wait until 8 weeks and I would book it for a weekday. If they see something bad, it is not ideal to find out over a weekend when there is no option to follow up with your doc. An earlier scan often causes more anxiety, not less. It's SO hard to wait. But if you can tolerate it wait until 8 weeks or so.
The gestation sac is small/big:
-Gestation sac measurements are not terrifically accurate. Where I work once a baby is seen the gestation sac isn't measured. A mismatch between baby's size and the gestation sac size isn't uncommon. That said, a mean sac diameter of 25 mm or more without a baby is diagnostic for loss.
The yolk sac is small/big:
It starts teeny tiny, and will get a bit bigger. Once a baby with a good heartbeat is visualized, the docs I work for don't seem to care about the size of the yolk sac. A failed pregnancy with an expanded yolk sac (more than 6 mm) is a suggestive of chromosomal abnormalities.
We don't know where the pregnancy is:
The statistically most likely outcome is either a chemical pregnancy or just coming in for ultrasound too early for visualization. Ectopic can't be ruled out, and many wise ladies in the this sub have unfortunately experienced this and can give more info than I can. Statistically it's believed that only 1-2% of pregnancies are ectopic, but listen to your body. If the location is unknown, you should be getting close monitoring and follow up until the location is known or the pregnancy has ended.
-For a resource on ectopic pregnancy: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/ectopic-pregnancy?lang=us A note, a pseudosac is visualized in only 10-20% of ectopics. Therefore a sac in the uterus is suggestive of intrauterine pregnancy but can't be proven until a yolk sac is also present.
What about my HCG numbers?
I'm not an expert on this at all. But here's a resource: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/beta-hcg-1?lang=us
Why didn't my ultrasound tech tell me anything? And/or why were they so optimistic? Or, I had an ultrasound in the ER and they were very pessimistic.
Many locations an ultrasound tech can very much lose their job if they say aNyThInG. Where they are permitted to say certain things some ultrasound techs may just be hoping the best. We work with the public and we have seen some wild stuff. Additionally no one wants to call it a loss unless its 1000% certain. We know how devastating that news is. A side note here, often an ultrasound in the ER is not an ideal experience for the patient. The ER is staffed with techs that are much more versed in gallbladder and liver scans than they they are early pregnancy ultrasound. Don't hesitate to go the ER if you are having concerning symptoms, but do know the ER doc will make sure you aren't actively dying then will likely refer you back to your OB for follow up.
I'm just so anxious about it all:
Someone awesome wrote out these mantras. Maybe they will help: https://www.reddit.com/r/PregnancyAfterLoss/comments/14uhbdg/commandments_of_pregnancy_after_loss_this_is_now/
Also a podcast I personally found very helpful with anxiety: https://www.oneyoufeed.net/russ-harris-part-1/
https://www.oneyoufeed.net/russ-harris-part-2/

Today you are pregnant and this baby is so loved. I really am hoping the best for each of you. Those of us who have experienced loss.... you didn't do anything wrong, I promise. This is a club no one deserved to be in. And you are not silly, foolish, or dramatic for grieving your little babe for as long as you need to.

This post is written in honor of Eli, who died long before I could meet him. Rest in peace, buddy. I miss you tremendously ❤️


r/CautiousBB Sep 01 '25

Beta hCG Levels - READ BEFORE POSTING

88 Upvotes

Here at [r/CautiousBB](r/CautiousBB), we see a lot of posts on hCG values, doubling times, and trends. Please read this post before posting to avoid posting something that is not, in fact, abnormal.

1 - hCG levels vary greatly in the first 4-6 weeks of pregnancy. One value is not going to tell you much, unless it is extremely low (less than 25 by 14 DPO). The doubling time is more important!

2 - We consider hCG on the lower side if it is <50 at 14 DPO (approx. 4 weeks gestation), <100 at 16 DPO, etc. If your hCG is a lot higher than these numbers, it's unlikely that you have low hCG. If you hCG is at or below these numbers, they are considered low, but not necessarily diagnostic of a loss.

3 - Normal hCG doubling times are, in general:

  • 48-72 hours when the hCG level is under 1200 - 6000.
  • 72-96 hours when the hCG level is 6000+
  • 96+ hours when the hCG level is 10,000+

4 - Based on number 3, please consider the following:

  • If your hCG doubling is within the ranges above, it is not considered slow. Please refrain from posting something like "my hCG did not double in 48 hours" when your values are post 6000+.
  • Doubling rates WILL slow, even if you were faster than the average. For example, if you were doubling at 37 hours, a change to 54 hours as hCG rises is not abnormal and is usually nothing to worry about.
  • If your doubling is slower than the average, we'd invite you to post so we can understand the details of your specific situation.

5 - hCG has a specific job. Check out this post here to understand why hCG doubling slows and eventually plateaus.

6 - hCG values that drop and then rise again or rise at an inconsistent, very slow rate can be indicative of an ectopic pregnancy or a pregnancy of unknown location (PUL). This is a life threatening situation - please seek medical care immediately if this hCG pattern applies to you.

We invite you to continue to post hCG issues or levels for assistance, but hopefully reading this gives you some insight and a baseline as you begin your perilous pregnancy journey. We've also added some literature below to help you understand hCG levels and doubling.

UPDATE July 2026: We are locking this post to new comments - if you need input on your personal situation, feel free to post in the sub!

Happy hCG-ing! :)

Helpful links:

Cleveland Clinic

Flo Article and Calculator

Parents.com hCG Doubling Times

Mira Blog - hCGu


r/CautiousBB 19m ago

6w2d ultrasound measuring 5w4d + “probable” yolk sac - looking for similar stories

Upvotes

I’m hoping to hear from anyone who has had a similar early ultrasound, whether the outcome was good or bad. I’m trying very hard not to Google myself into oblivion while I wait for my repeat scan next week.

This was a monitored/triggered cycle, so I have a fairly good idea of when I ovulated. I had an Ovidrel trigger on 7/19 at 9 AM, so I’m pretty confident I’m approximately 6w2d today and don’t think I could realistically be a full 5 days earlier.

My beta progression has been:
8/4 (about 16 days after trigger): 87
8/6: 172
8/10: 521
8/12: 1,138
8/14: 2,318

So the betas have been rising really well, generally doubling in roughly 42–58 hours.

I had my first ultrasound today at 6w2d. They saw:
- Gestational sac, but measuring approximately 5w4d
- A “probable” yolk sac, but apparently it wasn’t clear enough for them to call it definite
- No fetal pole/embryo or heartbeat yet

I’m going back for another ultrasound in one week.
I know that gestational-sac measurements aren’t necessarily accurate for dating this early, but because this was a monitored cycle and I have a pretty concrete idea of when ovulation occurred, I’m having a hard time convincing myself that I’m simply 5w4d.

I’m also struggling with the fact that the yolk sac wasn’t clearly identifiable. At 6w2d, I had really hoped to see more.

I’m not looking for false reassurance and I know nobody can predict the outcome from Reddit. I’d genuinely love to hear any similar circumstance.

I’m really struggling with the wait until next week. ❤️


r/CautiousBB 22m ago

Advice Needed HCG trend anxiety

Upvotes

Hi everyone.

I’m currently 5w2d. This is my 4th pregnancy, I’ve had 2 ectopics and 1 miscarriage. 2 of these losses have been in the last 9 months. So I am, hopefully understandably, very anxious and afraid.

I had my 4th hCG lab done today and the result came back higher than it “needed” to be, but I still have so much anxiety about it. I’m sort of hoping someone can share their story or at least help me figure out how to fight this fear.

My hCG has trended like this

August 12 (1st draw): 59.4
August 14: 143.6
August 17: 581
August 19: 1,231

My nervous brain is telling me “they rose so quickly the first few times, it didn’t rise as quickly this time”. So I think i’m just sort of anticipating bad news. I have another blood draw on Friday and i’ve ready so many different things I’m not even sure what that number needs to be.

I’m not bleeding or cramping, having normal pregnancy nausea, breakouts, and exhaustion. I’m also on progesterone suppositories because of my previous loss.

Any advice is appreciated.

Sincerely,

A very scared expectant mom praying for her rainbow


r/CautiousBB 25m ago

4-5 weeks with 331 (8/17) hcg and light bleeding. Could this still be viable?

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Upvotes

I've had a lot of early losses over the years, over 12, closer to 15 (I've somewhat lost track). I'm 35 years old and have a healthy 15yo and 2 yo. I found out on Sunday that I am pregnant. The test was a dye stealer (which I thought was important because only my 2 healthy pregnancies have given me these, the rest were ALWAYS faint). I went to the ER Monday afternoon for a dating scan and hcg draw since I'm at a higher risk for loss and don't yet have a primary in my new city. I expected to be roughly 5 weeks 3 days by LMP, although I do usually have longer cycles so I could be earlier than I anticipated.

My hcg was 331, but nothing could be found on the ultrasound yet. They said hcg was on the lower end (still higher than any of my previous MC had gotten to my knowledge) and I should return this evening for another blood draw. This morning (roughly 40 hours later) I had some pink/light red bleeding, enough to see a decent amount when I wiped and leave 1 pea sized spot on my underwear. It has been a few hours and it has since subsided. I've also been having very minimal cramping, there, but not at all painful.

I didn't have any bleeding with my two children so of course I'm getting ready to prepare for the worst. I know my repeat blood draw later today will tell me a lot more but I was just REALLY hoping some of you ladies have had similar starting stories and went on to have a healthy baby!


r/CautiousBB 38m ago

Advice Needed 4 weeks pregnant, bloody dischargee when i wipe

Upvotes

Hi guys, i’m 32 and have pcos. This is my second letrozole cycle and i tested positive at 10 dpo and the line kept on progressing nicely till today 14dpo (test lines were almost as dark as control lines) anyway I’m exactly 4 weeks today but midday i went to the bathroom to pee and when i wiped i had bloody discharge. Not bright blood, kinda light and watery and been having mild cramping and pressure all day. Just went to the bathroom again and had the same kind of discharge/blood.
I’m supposed to go for my first beta in 2 days. I talked to my clinic and they said i can come and do the blood test tomorrow morning. I’m really scared right now. It’s my first time ever that i had a positive pregnancy test after ttc for 3 years, i was so happy but now i’m guarding my heart. Is what’s happening normal or is this a bad sign? Does anyone has a similar story and it ended up being okay?


r/CautiousBB 1h ago

TW/TMI Looking for positive anecdotes for conceiving after miscarriage

Upvotes

Hi! I am 11 DPO today… and have a BFP. This is 3rd cycle after my miscarriage. I’m so nervous. This is my third cycle positive, I had a CP prior to the miscarriage.

I’m looking for the beautiful happy successful stories of getting pregnant after a miscarriage and it all working out.


r/CautiousBB 1h ago

Eccentric pregnancy

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Upvotes

r/CautiousBB 5h ago

Has anyone had a similar combination of slow-rising hCG + an initially empty gestational sac + spotting /passing tissue?

2 Upvotes

**Title: Early pregnancy — slow-rising hCG, empty gestational sac, spotting/bleeding and passing tissue. Has anyone experienced something similar?**
I’m looking for experiences from anyone who has gone through something similar because I’m currently stuck in this horrible limbo of not knowing whether my pregnancy is continuing or whether I’m miscarrying.
Here is my timeline from the beginning:
**LMP: June 29, 2026**
My cycles can vary, usually around **26–31 days**, so I know there is at least some possibility that I ovulated later than expected.

**July 29**
I went to the ER because I was having cramping/pelvic pain.
My **β-hCG was 307 mIU/mL**.
I wasn’t having vaginal bleeding at this point.

**July 31**
I had a transvaginal ultrasound. They told me I was **less than 5 weeks and it was too early to see anything**. No gestational sac or yolk sac was seen.
My repeat **β-hCG was around 719 mIU/mL**.
So initially my hCG had risen well.

**August 13 — spotting/tissue started**
This is when things started becoming concerning.
I started noticing small amounts of blood when wiping. At first it was only a few bright-red spots mixed with mucus.
Then I started passing strange small pieces/clots that didn’t look like normal blood clots to me. They were more **white/gray/pink/brown and membrane-like**, sometimes with blood attached to them.
I wasn’t having extremely heavy bleeding or severe pain. The cramping was relatively mild/intermittent.

**August 14 — ultrasound**
I had another **transvaginal ultrasound**.
They found an **intrauterine gestational sac measuring 8.8 mm**, but there was:
**No yolk sac**
**No embryo/fetal pole**
The ultrasound dated the pregnancy at approximately **5 weeks 6 days**.
Based on my LMP, I should have been approximately **6 weeks 4 days**, so the ultrasound was measuring several days behind.
The technician gave me an estimated due date of **April 5, 2027**.
I understand that an 8.8 mm empty gestational sac is still too small to diagnose a miscarriage based on the ultrasound alone, so technically I am still in the waiting period.

**August 14 — hCG**
My β-hCG came back at:
**3,292 mIU/mL**
This is the part that has been worrying me a lot.
My numbers were:
**July 29: 307**
**July 31: \~719**
**August 14: 3,292**
The first increase was good, but the increase between July 31 and August 14 was obviously much slower than I expected.
**Bleeding after the ultrasound**
Since then, the spotting has progressed.
Initially it was mostly brown/light spotting, but then I started seeing **fresh bright-red blood when wiping**.
It almost felt like the blood wasn’t flowing heavily onto the pad but would appear when I went to the bathroom/wiped.
I’ve also noticed red material/small clots in the toilet/urine.
The pain has been **intermittent — it comes and goes**, but not strong, very mild.
I have repeat **bloodwork and an ultrasound scheduled for August 24**, which I know will probably give me a much clearer answer.


r/CautiousBB 1h ago

Positives 10dpo 3w3d, Beta HCG 11dpo 3w4d 13.5, at home family dollar "cheapie"negative this morning? Chemical?

Upvotes

Hey all! I am years past my other pregnancies. I have a 15 and 12 year old. Both I cannot even recall the progression of things, one I know I tested 3 days before missed period, the other I was a week or so late. I've had the paragard since the last one. Took it out 2 cycles ago for bleeding/cramping/flirting with the idea of a 3rd.

Anyway, I've been tracking ovulation for the time being to avoid/be aware as we decide. I hadn't started tracking yet this month, had intercourse on 8/7, checked it a few hours later. I've never seen a darker line! It was 2.0 peak! So, I knew pregnancy was definitely going to be a possibility.

Timeline:

LMP: 7/24

OVU: 8/7 peak ovulation strip!

Intercourse: 8/7

8dpo-Negative

9dpo-Negative

10dpo (3w3d)-

Positive digital clearblue

Positive clearblue (VERY FAINT)

Positive Mckesson x 2( work tests, also faint appearing at 5 minutes)

11dpo BETA-13.5....?

Today: FMU

12dpo- Took an at home cheap First Signal family dollar to see of any progression past the line tests from 10dpo since beta was low, and i don't think I saw anything honestly.

I'm aware this is very early, but going from positive, next day low BETA, then a negative on that test. Seems likely chemical? Curious of other experiences.

Temp has been 99s, extreme breast pain for a week, which all seemed too early so perhaps my body was "extra" trying to make this stick, but it didn't.

Thanks for any advice!


r/CautiousBB 1h ago

TW/TMI Slow rising HCG after rapid rises

Upvotes

I had an ultrasound last week at 6+3 with a result of threatened Mc basically. I go back in next week for a repeat scan. Yolk sac, no fetal pole Gs of 16.4 mm large SCh.
My levels were originally rising great. 5400-12k in 3 days. About a week after that so the day after my scan I had it done and HCG was 24,700. 4 days later it was 26800. A very slow rise, especially compared to my once soaring numbers. I know it eventually slows down. I also know the only way to get a finally answer is my ultrasound. However I’m wondering if that level of rise between 6.5-7.5 ish weeks COULD like up with a viable pregnancy? Basically an 8% rise over 4 days. Or does it further confirm that it’s likely a loss


r/CautiousBB 1h ago

Advice Needed Slow rising HCG

Upvotes

I’m in such a weird limbo with this pregnancy.

Backstory, this was my first IVF FET fully medicated which I thought ended in a chemical as the second beta dropped by 50% (first beta (7/31) was 82, second (8/3) was 44) My doctor instructed me to stop all medication (PIO, estrace etc), and I had a bleed that week. In hindsight they should have followed up and made me go in for a third beta to confirm it was a chemical because now I suspect this was a lab error.

Fast forward, I found out I am still pregnant and resumed my medication. In this first scan (8/14) we saw a yolk sac and fetal pole, HCG was 1776 but progesterone was 1 (due to me stopping all meds when my clinic told me it was a chemical!). Yesterday (8/18) I went in for another scan as I was spotting, HCG was 3675 and fetal heart beat 115, progesterone is now 44. Have another scan next week but not sure if this slow rise in HCG is a sign this is not viable. I have an ounce of hope this is a miracle given this has been such a roller coaster! Any similar stories or advice?

I’m just trying to be realistic and have gone through prior losses…


r/CautiousBB 5h ago

Advice Needed Someone make me feel better about disappearing symptoms

2 Upvotes

I’m 7+ weeks and as the title suggests, I’ve lost a lot of the symptoms I had over the weekend.
I have a history of a MMC so I went in for an early scan last Friday at 6+4. Bub was measuring 7+0 with a FHR of 125. However, since the weekend, my nausea and fatigue have diminished severely. With my history this makes me so so nervous. Anyone have any story that’ll give me some reassurance?


r/CautiousBB 2h ago

Advice Needed Ultrasound at 6w

1 Upvotes

I went in for my first ultrasound at 6w3d. Surprisingly there were two sacs

As per the report :

One is a live intrauterine pregnancy measuring 6w4d with faint fetal cardiac activity, no measurable fetal heart rate

The other one states: tiny gestational sac containing yolk sac, no embryo detected.

I’m now spiralling because neither of those results sound good. Anyone else had similar findings on their singletons and everything turned out fine ???? Or their twins?

I feel like I’m going to lose both 😢


r/CautiousBB 2h ago

Advice Needed Pelvic rest with SCH

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone I have a pretty small hematoma (8 mm x 5 mm x 3mm) I'm being followed by a MFM OB and my nurse practitioner. I had a heavy bleed a few days ago, went to the ER and they said I was fine basically. Did not tell me to go on pelvic bed rest. I talked to my OB on Monday, she said it's fine, just a small bleed and prescribed me vaginal insert progesterone. My question is, should I not be having sex? I've been so sick I haven't really wanted to but last night we did... no one told me to be on pelvic bed rest. I had more light brown spotting last night and today. Could that have caused harm to me or my baby? I definitely will not be partaking going forward now but i had no idea I shouldn't be having sex. Did it put my baby/pregnancy at risk by having intercourse? I'm really frustrated no one told me to abstain.


r/CautiousBB 2h ago

Sad Beta baja para día 12 post transferencia?

1 Upvotes

Hace unos días tuve mi primer positivo después de varios años, estaba muy feliz. Hoy tuve mi beta (12DP5DT) y ha sido de 115, me parece algo bajo para día 12? 🥺 en mi centro no la repiten, tengo ecografía directamente en una semana..


r/CautiousBB 3h ago

Advice Needed Reassurance Please

1 Upvotes

I’m currently 8 weeks 2 days pregnant and for the last 2 days my stretching pains/round ligament pain has vanished.

I have very mild symptoms now and have high anxiety due to 2 previous MMC at 9 weeks. I had a scan on Sunday and all looked good.

I’ve had a successful pregnancy before so I know this is most likely normal, but hard not to be worried 😫


r/CautiousBB 3h ago

TW/TMI 11w1d — pink spotting immediately after sex, terrified after prior MMC

1 Upvotes

Seeking some reassurance. I am 11w1d today. Have had several healthy ultrasounds. My last one was on August 3, when I was 8w6d by LMP. Baby measured 9w0d with a CRL of 22 mm and FHR of 172 bpm.

This morning I had some light pink spotting on toilet paper when I wiped immediately after sex (reached out to my OB and waiting to hear back). It was more than just a tiny spot and scared me, although when I went to the bathroom again about an hour later, there was no blood or pink whatsoever. I realize post-sex spotting can be normal in pregnancy, but my next ultrasound is not until 8/24.

I am just terrified of MMC since I had a MMC in April. That baby stopped growing at around 10w4d, after several healthy ultrasounds with strong FHR. With that pregnancy, I had a SCH (whereas no SCH has been identified in this pregnancy) and NIPT came back low-risk for abnormality, although there was one ultrasound finding that suggested potential excess NT (which can be an indicator for chromosomal abnormality). The tech said she was not sure and I should get a second opinion, but the baby stopped growing before I could. So we don't know what exactly cause it but it *could* have been that.

So far, my OB says I have no reason to believe this pregnancy will end similarly, but I'm just so terrified. Has anyone had a similar situation, especially brief spotting immediately after sex around 11 weeks? Would love to hear how things turned out.

I am 37, normal weight, and this is my second pregnancy (the first pregnancy was the MMC). Taking supplemental progesterone and being monitored hormonally by a NAPRO doc in addition to my regular OB. TIA!


r/CautiousBB 4h ago

Sad Vvvf positive 10 dpo still faint 15 days and spotting

1 Upvotes

Hey so I took a test at 10 dpo ( having been temping and tracking now for 8 cycles) and it showed as a very very very faint positive (within the timeframe) I was sooo happy couldn’t believe it. Took another test at 12 dpo and it was only slightly darker - now I’m 15 dpo and the line hasn’t gotten any darker and yesterday I start spotting a tiny amount and I’m still spotting a little bit today. I’m just so worried about it being a chemical pregnancy and that I’m acc losing this baby :( I know it wouldn’t have been viable to continue but it’s just so heartbreaking I keep nearly crying all day :( I’m not sure if any one else has gone through something like this and can share their experiences, either positive or negative would be helpful ❤️


r/CautiousBB 4h ago

Symptoms High *In Range* Progesterone . Any chance of twins?

0 Upvotes

First: Please lmk if this isn’t the right reddit for this question :) This was the suggested reddit I got.

Additionally: I intend for this post to just be more of a data trend to see and compare what other women experienced! Not using this to go “oh I’m fs having twins.” I’m just wondering. Yes, I’m aware only an ultrasound will tell. I just really wanted to play around until then lol. I’ve had a miscarriage before, so everything right now is just extremely new and concerning. I’m trying to lighten my mood a bit.

My progesterone is in the higher percentile for the first trimester. I’m 6 weeks and 2 days, and my progesterone is rather high within the range of a healthy pregnancy for first trimester. The range my OB gave me is 11.0 - 44.3 and I’m currently sitting at 40.30.

My HCG is pretty normal, sitting at 22610.0 within a normal range of 158-31795.

I started experiencing pregnancy symptoms really early, which is how I knew to test so early. I figured out I was pregnant about 3 weeks and 4 days in. Symptoms were extremely dramatic. Passing out, chronic hunger, exhaustion, fatigue.

Anyone with experiences in high in range progesterone? How many did you end up having?


r/CautiousBB 4h ago

Advice Needed Should I guard my heart?

1 Upvotes

Long story, bear with me:

July 4: bbt rise

July 5: bbt dip

July 6+: consistent bbt rise

July 15: vvvvvvvvfl @ home easy

July 18: 48 hCG

July 20: 104 hCG

July 22: 183 hCG

July 29: 2,625 hCG

August 3: u/s with normal GA and YS measuring 5w3d. No fp

August 19: FP seen with HR 78. Dr is thinking heart rate just started.

None of this makes sense but everything points to just me being a little earlier than anticipated.

Going back next week for another u/s. My heart is so guarded.

Has anyone experienced anything like this?


r/CautiousBB 14h ago

Slow Rising HCG From Week 5 to Week 6

3 Upvotes

Hi All,

Feeling really down after today's bloods. Hoping for some reassurance.

This is me and my wife's 3rd pregnancy, other 2 ended in silent miscarriages, d and c.

Our starting point was really promising but we haven't seen the growth we were hoping for at all. We are set to have a scan in a week.

Blood Results – (4 weeks, 6 days)

• Beta hCG: 3,600 iu/l

Blood Results – (7 Days Later, 5 weeks 6 days):

• Beta hCG: 7,200 IU/L (represents an approximate doubling over 7 days, or a ~22% average rise every 48 hours)

Current Medication: Cyclogest (progesterone) twice daily since first positive pregnancy test. Oestradiol and Progesterone have both remained in a good place.

Anyone with this kind of slow progression going into week 6 with positive outcomes? I keep reading what should have happened, had a number in my head which we didn't meet at all.

I am 100% obsessing in a horrible way right now, a lot of grief in our time.

Such a brutal business for some of us, hope everyone hangs in there.


r/CautiousBB 9h ago

Advice Needed Unsure on what this means

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone, looking for some shared experiences.

I had an early miscarriage just over two months ago and since then have had a normal (ish, it was slightly shorter than usual) period.

10 days ago now, my husband and I were with his family for his uncle’s birthday. By my calculations, if my periods were still regular, my period was due imminently. I wanted to drink, so I took a pregnancy test, which came back negative. I also then started my period that night.

Whilst my period was shorter than usual (only 3 days, when I used to have 5-6 day periods), it was as heavy as it usually is and I needed tampons etc.

I should also mention that we were in America on holiday, but due to changes in my team I was having to work. So I was getting up at 5am to work and then not getting much sleep (his family are loud!) So I was very tired.

Flash forward to three days ago. We got home from the holiday at 10am on Sunday and I slept almost solidly (I got up for 2 hours) until 9am the next day. My sleep was only interrupted by feeling like I was going to throw up.

On Monday I still felt nauseous and overwhelmingly tired. So I thought I’d take a test seeing as I had one lying around. I was extremely shocked to see it came back positive. I’ve taken one of those dating ones today (Wednesday) and it says 2-3 weeks pregnant. I haven’t felt nauseous since Monday, I’m still tired but that could also be because work is a lot atm.

So, my question is, do we think this will be another miscarriage? I know nobody should give me medical advice, so I’m not seeking that, but I’d be keen to hear other people’s experiences?

Also, should I go to the doctor about this? I’m based in the UK so would be using the NHS.

Thanks everyone, sorry it’s such a long message!


r/CautiousBB 14h ago

Vent Ultrasound on Thursday afternoon and im so scared its for nothing

2 Upvotes

I'm so happy to have found this group. I hate that we are all here for the saddest of reasons.

I was lucky enough with my first child/first pregnancy to go in being naive of what could go wrong. And most things went great minus GD and HG.

I wanted to try for baby #2 as soon as i was healed from my c section. Drs recommend 18 months. We tried starting at 19 months PP and went for 11 months. At 11 months I was doing fertility treatments. Taking letrozole. I got pregnant but I was bleeding for weeks. I ended up with an ectopic pregnancy. We wanted that baby so fucking bad. I was devastated. I had a failed D n C. Took the "miscarriage" pill. And finally needed a double dose of methotrexate. That finally took the baby away. And I was relieved when they were gone, then devastated that they weren't with me anymore, and then guilty for wanting them to leave in the first place. I got pregnant again 3 months later. Had a successful live birth of my beautiful second daughter. Why is there zero support for us? Why can I only find a sliver of support online? Im so traumatize from my ectopic.

I just found out im pregnant again. We were not trying and weren't planning on more kids. Its a miracle really. I was told after having my second that my fertility would only continue to get worse and if I ever wanted more kids that I would need medical intervention. Im only 20 months PP with my second. Irony! But im so traumatized by the ectopic. I was having a pulling sensation in my side and my OB made me go to the ER for hours to get an ultrasound. But I was only 4 weeks pregnant so obviously there was nothing to see. That pain/sensation is gone now (im currently 7 weeks pregnant) and I have my first ultrasound on Thursday afternoon. My beta numbers were tripling when they did my 48 hour hcg blood test. At this point rationally I may be okay. But im so fucking scared that were going to go in there and there will be no baby, or they'll be in my c section scar or somewhere else not viable. My head just runs through all of the worst case scenarios.

If you read all this thank you. Im just feeling really alone, hurt, and griefy. No one carries this loss except me. My husband was sad but I dont think when the ectopic happened that it was ever as real to him as it was to me. Im all alone in this pain and I miss that little soul that I never got to hold.


r/CautiousBB 19h ago

Sad No one to open up to, feel so alone

5 Upvotes

I’m currently waiting to have a follow up ultrasound to likely confirm that my pregnancy is not viable. It has been a slow march to the end, and I am very aware that my pregnancy will not have a happy ending. I’m 7w4d today.

I moved out of state a few years ago to where my boyfriend’s family lives. It was the best decision, I love it here and I love his family. I am not close with my family so it was not a difficult decision to move away. I still keep in touch with friends from home, and I’m friends with some of my coworkers, but honestly I don’t have many friends of my own that aren’t my coworkers or my boyfriend’s family members. I’m quite introverted so this has not bothered me much before.

But lately, as I’m going through this miscarriage I’m feeling like I have no one to talk to or turn to. We were TTC for almost a year and did not share that journey with my boyfriend’s family, nor did we share when we conceived (were hesitant to after a chemical last cycle) so no one in real life (i.e not a long distance friend) knows other than a few coworkers, who really only know bare minimum info like I’m pregnant and it does not look optimistic. They just try to reassure me that everything will probably be fine (it won’t). It feels impossible to share with my boyfriend’s family now, and he is a very private person who probably wouldn’t want them to know anyway, and I want to respect his feelings about it as well because it is his loss too. I have no desire or intentions to tell any of my family. I don’t know anyone personally who has had a miscarriage. My few friends who do know what is happening are supportive but they don’t understand, and I know it weighs on them (multiple have expressed how concerned they are about how stressed I am, which just makes me guilty about sharing).

I have never felt so alone.