r/CautiousBB Jan 27 '26

Ultrasound FAQ Reference Guide

92 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

85 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 3h ago

Nothing but bad posts

4 Upvotes

I think I really need to get off Reddit or at least some subreddits. I have my graduation scan Friday after great hcg draws, and an ahead 5 week, 2 day ultrasound. All I’ve been getting on my feed(not from this subreddit) has been people posting about their 7 week scans going horribly wrong.

I’ve tried counteracting with good posts but those are sometimes hard to find everywhere. I’m so scared I almost started crying this morning when I woke up. It’s taken me 4 ivf transfers to get here and I’m so scared. Everything has looked great. No sch, no bleeding, no unusual symptoms, my ultrasound was measuring ahead, my beta doubled in 34.5 hours, I have no reason to be so scared, but I can’t help it.

I can’t wait to be done with this scan and see baby.


r/CautiousBB 4h ago

Advice Needed Embryo measuring 6w2d at 7w6d

3 Upvotes

TW: previous loss

Wondering if anyone has had a similar experience, our results are confusing and I'm trying to remain sane while waiting for the next ultrasound.

My partner (38M) and I (36F) have been TTC for 2.5 years. I've had 2 chemical pregnancies and our infertility is unexplained, so we decided to do IVF. We did an egg retrieval in June which resulted in 4 euploid embryos, a result we're pretty excited about! We planned to do an embryo transfer in August, but in July, we ended up getting pregnant "spontaneously". We were of course overjoyed, if not confused.

My cycle in July was fairly normal despite being the first cycle after egg retrieval. CD1 was 7/7 and I ovulated on 7/22 or 7/23. I got my first positive test on 7/31 which would have been 8-9 DPO.

I had my first ultrasound yesterday thinking I was 7w6d, but the embryo measured only 6w2d (CRL 5.5mm). The yolk sac was also slightly enlarged at 6.1mm, the gestational sac was normal at 19mm, and there was a strong heartbeat of 124bpm.

I understand US dating and cycle dating can be off, even up to a week, but 11-12 days discrepancy feels like it's too far off to be a viable pregnancy. However, the heartbeat was a good indicator, which has left us confused.

Has anyone else had similar dating discrepancies, while having a pretty accurate ovulation timeline? I'm staying guarded but there's little information out there about this specific scenario.


r/CautiousBB 8h ago

Advice Needed Brown spotting 9 weeks 5 days

5 Upvotes

Hi! I am 9 weeks 5 days and pretty much since around 7 weeks I’ve had brown/tan spotting/discharge. It used to be like maybe a couple times a week, now it’s every day. I’ve talked to my dr multiple times about it, and each time she’s said it can be normal and as long as it doesn’t progress to red/heavy/ accompanied with cramps I’m okay. Had a dating ultrasound at 8 weeks 5 days and baby was measuring right on track with a HB of 173. No hematoma was seen, no free fluid, nothing. The dr said my ultrasound was perfect and that there was no cause for concern at this point. I have clinical OCD and extreme anxiety- so this has been HELL for me. The brown discharge is only when I wipe, and it’s not a lot, but still. I feel like I am living in absolute distress. If anyone could give me positive stories of similar situations to ease my OCD brain- I would be so thankful 😭😭😭😭😭😭


r/CautiousBB 2h ago

Vent Nervous about symptoms

2 Upvotes

I’m struggling with on again off again symptoms and freaking out. I’ve had small waves of nausea on and off since week 4.5, and now I’m 6+3 and haven’t felt much since Sunday. Same with boob pain - had some on and off soreness last week, then a full day of soreness on Sunday, and nothing yesterday and today other than soreness in the middle of the night (noticed because I had some insomnia at 3am). Today I feel nothing. I do have a LC and was essentially asymptomatic for that first trimester other than boob soreness, but that was consistent from weeks 6-10. I had a MMC in May and was extremely bloated, fatigued, and nauseous for that one. I have my first scan in 2 weeks and asked to go in sooner but I’m not sure if I will be able to. I’m also on supplemental progesterone that I take vaginally at bedtime so I fear that will mask any early loss again or that it’s the reason I feel anything at all. I had a dye stealer on Easy@Home a week ago and today it was the same darkness as the control line. I know that alone shouldn’t mean anything but I can’t help but freak out over everything altogether.


r/CautiousBB 6h ago

2 Prior MCs, 1 Live Birth, Now Pregnant Again and Nervous

3 Upvotes

Hi all, just need a safe place to vent. In 2024 I had two miscarriages each between 6-7 weeks. My OB didn't do further investigation because it was not 3 losses yet. I got pregnant again and gave birth in 2025. I did have some late term complications, ultimately leading to a (failed) induction and then a C section with bleeding complications. I was told on the table that I might need a hysterectomy. It was terrifying. Everything ultimately turned out okay, but I never did get a clear answer on what happened. Even reading through the clinical notes and discussing with my care team. We're now 13 months PP and pregnant again, currently in week 4+. I've got the first scan scheduled for 8 weeks and just so nervous until then. Every time I pee I'm expecting to see blood (that's how both my MCs started). I know many of us here are in a similar situation, so I just wanted to share my story and see if it resonates with anyone. Thanks for reading.


r/CautiousBB 1h ago

Looking for specifically 13DPO success stories

Upvotes

Anyone have any over 13DPO success stories? Could you share your story when you possibly had implantation and tested pregnant followed by any complications?


r/CautiousBB 1h ago

Update! posted yesterday about going to the ER at 7 weeks and being unable to find a gestational sac. found out there actually was a sac and pole. now just mega confused

Upvotes

Posted yesterday about going to the ER for spotting. I had a tv ultrasound done and was told that they couldn’t find a gestational sac or fetal pole, and my hcg was measuring normally for 7 or 8 weeks. Obviously, I was gutted and a bit scared of ectopic or PUL.

I got the results in on MyChart. Gestational sac measuring 7w3d, fetal pole measuring 6w5d in uterus. markedly limited exam due to body habitus.
my interpretation is that they saw it well enough to get measurements, but it was hard to see clearly because i’m fat. 1.9 cm subchorrionic hemorrhage, states it may alternatively be a fibroid. hcg 38,480.

i’m less scared but still worried and very confused. The doctor in the ER told us that there was no sac or pole and the report is definitely saying otherwise. I saw my primary today for repeat labs and were waiting to confirm that hcg is still rising. still unable to confirm an ultrasound within 48 hours of discharge but she put in a stat referral so we can hopefully find out more.

is this any less concerning? i’m obviously no longer concerned about PUL, but does this still sound like I should be preparing for a loss? any insight is appreciated!


r/CautiousBB 5h ago

Advice Needed 9 weeks 5 days pregnant low fetal heart rate

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I just left my ultrasound and the tech confirmed I am 9 weeks 5 days pregnant and the heart rate is 113 beats per minute. This is “within the normal range” but my older sibling passed away when she was around 1 from a heart defect, along with a first cousin of mine, who passed away around 8 days old from a heart defect. I am worried about this! Anyone with experience? What does this mean?


r/CautiousBB 1h ago

low and slow hcg at 5 weeks, first cycle after prior miscarriage

Upvotes

Looking for advice on how to cope or similar experiences.

I had a MMC at 9.5 weeks back in July (unsure when baby stopped developing as I miscarried naturally and did not have any scan or blood draws before).

I got pregnant again very soon after with no period in between, so it’s a bit difficult to estimate how far along I am. But based on conception, I’m likely at 5 weeks 0 days today. Here are my HCG draw results:

Aug. 26th (4 weeks + 1 day): HCG 69.9
Aug. 28th (4 weeks + 3 day): HCG 102.4 (47% increase in 48 hours)
Aug. 31st (4 weeks + 6 day): HCG 139.1 (36% increase in 72 hours)

I’ve felt completely normal throughout this - no spotting, cramps, or pregnancy symptoms.

My doctor said it is likely a chemical pregnancy / miscarriage, or ectopic. I’m continuing to monitor HCG for the next week before deciding next steps.

At this point, is there any hope? Has anyone has similar levels at this stage and what were the results?

Given the declining rise rate, I’m feeling like there is no possibility of a viable pregnancy at this point. I’m scheduled for another HCG draw on September 3rd and the week after. I hate having to wait for answers and feel like I’m wasting so much time.


r/CautiousBB 2h ago

I am very worried

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1 Upvotes

r/CautiousBB 2h ago

TW/TMI Ectopic or miscarriage?

1 Upvotes

TW: Possible loss? Also mention of successful pregnancy

Hi! Im a little confused about what I have going on, and would love some fresh eyes on the dates…(for future readers, I’m posting this on 9/1/26).

I got a positive test the night of 8/30, which I only took because of some strange brown spotting I’d had that day. My last period began 8/20, lasting 6/7 days. So the positive was 6 days at most from the end of my period. It was a full period, too; I was breaking out the ultra tampons.

This was only my second cycle PP, and it was abnormally long. My last period began 7/3, and was normal. When I hadn’t gotten my period by 8/7, I took a pregnancy test. I thought I saw an extremely faint line, but my husband, best friend, and a digital test all said they didn’t see it. Later that night I got a blazing positive OPK, and figured my cycle was still just wonky from breastfeeding/second cycle PP.

Anyway. I got the positive test two days ago (8/30), yesterday (8/31) contacted my primary for confirmation and a referral to OB, and they ordered hCG because we don’t know when I’m due. That came back at 119 this morning. I requested a follow up blood draw order, which I’ll do tomorrow.

There’s no way this baby was conceived following this second “period,” right? Aka, this is from my July cycle, aka I’m like 7 weeks along…and hCG should be higher. I’m more concerned about it possibly being ectopic vs a regular miscarriage, because ectopics are (obviously) very dangerous.

When I called the OB to make an appt, they scheduled me for intake on 9/15. I explained all this, but should I call back and insist they get me in sooner because I’m concerned babout an ectopic? From my understanding, 119 is too low for a 7 week pregnancy…but maybe it’s just a miscarriage?

TIA to anyone who took the time to read all this!


r/CautiousBB 2h ago

Advice Needed HCG Update

1 Upvotes

Looking for insight because this is my first pregnancy and I’m just more confused than anything. Below will be my HCG levels
8/21 384
8/24 522
8/25 602
8/27 622
8/31 1114
I had bleeding from 8/25 to 8/29, no pain or cramping and ultrasound on 8/25 was unable to see anything. Has anybody had similar experience to slow rising HCG that can explain what it was? Have an ultrasound later today so maybe I can update


r/CautiousBB 2h ago

Teratozoospermia

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1 Upvotes

r/CautiousBB 3h ago

Advice Needed HCG 68 DPO 14 help!

1 Upvotes

DPO 14, first FAINT line on FRER three days ago and positive digital two days ago. HCG 68 and progesterone 19. Are you concerned? History of three chemical pregnancies and really hopeful. We have a recheck in two days.


r/CautiousBB 3h ago

Advice Needed The dreaded waiting

1 Upvotes

What are some of the best ways to preoccupy my mind while waiting!!!?

I have had two ectopics back to back. One in 2024 which removed my left tube and one in 2025 treated with MTX. I tested positive yesterday, CD26, around 11dpo (we weren’t tracking the last two cycles). I had my first beta done today 09/01/2026 that came back at 65 and progesterone at 34. Going back Thursday for a second. My ultrasound to check location will be in about 2 weeks or when my hCG gets over ~1,000.

These two weeks are going to DRAG. I’m trying not to worry too much and allow myself to be excited. Any tips of the wait? What were your early betas? Any good movies or tv shows I should watch?


r/CautiousBB 4h ago

Low HCG

1 Upvotes

I’m very worried about my low HCG results. Hoping for good news. This is my first pregnancy.

7/24- LMP, I have very irregular cycles (29-42 days)
8/12- LH surge began, control and test lines were same darkness all day
8/13- LH peaked, test line significantly darker than control
8/14- LH Levels back to normal.
8/25- morning hcg test negative, afternoon test, vvvvfl (digital negative)
8/26-definite line / positive, digital is still negative)
8/27- digital hcg test turned positive
8/28- very small amount of spotting began, light pink
8/29 - very small amount of spotting continued, brownish
8/30- very small amount of bright red spotting
8/31 - brown spotting continued. HCG blood test came back with level of 23
9/1 - small amount of brown and red spotting continues
9/2 - scheduled for my repeat hcg test

Realistically, I’m feeling little to no hope that this ends positively. Anyone in the same boat?


r/CautiousBB 4h ago

Advice Needed ER said everything was good, OB basically just said he expects a miscarriage.

1 Upvotes

Hello,
I tested positive on 11dpo and have had spotting since my positive test. My betas in the ER were 25 and then 79 (72 hours later). An ultrasound was too early to really show anything. They said everything was good and just to follow up with my OB. I expected a normal appointment with my OB but he basically said my numbers were very low and that it will most likely end up in a miscarriage. He’s redoing my beta and another ultrasound. Does this sound like a viable pregnancy? My last cycle I had a missed miscarriage. I just had my hopes up and now they are instantly shattered.


r/CautiousBB 4h ago

Ultrasound Doctor says miscarriage

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1 Upvotes

r/CautiousBB 4h ago

What dpo did you test positive while on progesterone?

1 Upvotes

Hoi allemaal,

Dit is onze vijfde maand waarin we proberen zwanger te worden, en ik ben een vrouw van 27.

Tijdens onze tweede poging had ik op 9 DPO een heel zwakke positieve zwangerschapstest, en daarna kreeg ik mijn menstruatie op 10 DPO. Ik heb een korte luteale fase van ongeveer 9 dagen.

Tijdens onze derde poging had ik op 8 DPO een heel licht positieve test, op 9 DPO was de positieve lijn duidelijk zichtbaar als licht positief, en op 10 DPO was de testlijn echt heel duidelijk. Alleen had ik wel sterke menstruatie-achtige krampen, en ongeveer twee uur nadat ik een BFP had (veel/duidelijk positieve test), begon ik ongesteld te worden.

In eerste instantie dacht ik dat mijn miskramen/chemische zwangerschappen misschien te maken hadden met mijn korte luteale fase.

Sinds de derde poging heb ik ook pijn rond mijn rechter eierstok. Ongeveer een week na de chemische zwangerschap heb ik een transvaginale echo gehad om een buitenbaarmoederlijke zwangerschap uit te sluiten. Als de zwangerschap door was gegaan zonder het bloeden, dan was ik op dat moment ongeveer vijf weken zwanger geweest.

De maand daarna, tijdens onze vierde poging, hebben we alles weer heel precies getimed, net zoals in de vorige maanden. Omdat ik vaginisme heb, doen we de inseminatie thuis. Ik gebruik ovulatietesten, ik kan echt goed voelen wanneer ik ovuleer, en ik houd ook mijn basale lichaamstemperatuur bij. Op basis van dit alles ben ik heel zeker van wanneer ik ovuleer.

Helaas kreeg ik die maand zelfs niet eens een heel vaag positieve test, terwijl ik wel sterk het gevoel had dat het misschien gelukt was en ik dacht dat ik misschien innesteling had gevoeld.

Deze cyclus is nu onze vijfde poging, en mijn fertiliteitsarts heeft vaginale progesteron voorgeschreven: 300 mg twee keer per dag (Utrogestan).
Vanaf ongeveer 7 DPO—dus rond de tijd dat ik tijdens mijn vorige zwangerschappen dacht dat ik innesteling had—begon ik opnieuw aan de rechterkant van mijn onderbuik, rond het gebied boven mijn eierstok, korte, scherpe en drukachtige sensaties te voelen.

Deze keer heb ik ook aan de linkerkant vergelijkbare sensaties gevoeld, omdat ik vermoed dat ik van beide eierstokken heb geovuleerd: ik had namelijk rond de ovulatie sensaties aan beide kanten.
Vanaf ongeveer 7–8 DPO heb ik ook behoorlijk heftige menstruatie-achtige krampen in mijn onderbuik, net boven mijn vulva. Het voelt precies hetzelfde als de krampen die ik normaal altijd krijg wanneer mijn menstruatie bijna gaat beginnen. Mijn menstruatie is eigenlijk vandaag al aan de beurt, maar het lijkt erop dat het progesteron het bloeden misschien tegenhoudt.

Ik heb ook een paar dagen vrij hevige eierstok-achtige krampen gehad, maar al mijn zwangerschapstesten blijven nog steeds helemaal negatief. Op dit moment denk ik niet dat deze cyclus een positieve test gaat opleveren, dus ik ben van plan om over drie dagen te stoppen met het progesteron.
Er is daarnaast nog iets interessants dat ik heb opgemerkt sinds ik met het progesteron ben begonnen.

Naast zwangerschapstesten gebruik ik vaak ook LH-testen. Normaal heb ik altijd wel een soort basale LH in mijn urine, dus er is meestal minstens een zichtbaar gekleurde testlijn. Toen ik eerder een positieve zwangerschapstest had, werden mijn LH-testen ook positief.

Sinds ik progesteron ben gestart rond 3–4 DPO, blijf ik ook mijn LH-waardes testen. Tot mijn verbazing zijn de testlijntjes voor LH héél licht geworden, en soms is er bijna helemaal geen lijn. Soms ziet de lijn er grijs uit of extreem lichtroze.
Dit is echt heel ongebruikelijk voor mij, omdat ik mijn LH al zo’n zeven maanden bijhoud. Ik test regelmatig na de ovulatie tot aan mijn menstruatie, en tijdens de luteale fase lieten mijn LH-testen altijd een duidelijk zichtbare roze lijn zien. Ze waren in die periode nooit positief, maar er was altijd een normale, duidelijk gekleurde testlijn.

Ik denk niet dat het een foutieve batch is, omdat ik dezelfde doos de week ervoor gebruikte om mijn ovulatie bij te houden. De testen liepen normaal op richting de ovulatie, en ik kreeg een sterke positieve test waarbij de testlijn donkerder was dan de controlelijn.

Nog iets wat ik heb opgemerkt: telkens wanneer ik urine opvang voor het testen, lijkt het alsof er zichtbare restjes van de progesteroncapsule in de urine terechtkomen, zelfs als ik een paar uur nadat ik hem heb ingebracht urineer. Er zijn vaak kleine witte stukjes die eruitzien als restmateriaal van de capsule.

Ik heb niet echt veel info online kunnen vinden over of vaginaal progesteron LH-testen kan beïnvloeden.
Dus mijn vraag is best breed:

Wat zijn jullie ervaringen met zwangerschap-/LH-testen tijdens het gebruik van vaginale progesteron-capsules?

Ik gebruik op dit moment Utrogestan 300 mg, twee keer per dag.

Ik moet ook even zeggen dat mijn progesteronwaardes nooit getest zijn voordat ik met de behandeling begon. Mijn fertiliteitsarts schreef het progesteron vooral voor op basis van mijn korte luteale fase van 9 dagen en omdat ik eerder heel vroege positieve zwangerschapstesten had gehad, gevolgd door bloedingen—waardoor luteale fase-ondersteuning logisch leek.


r/CautiousBB 4h ago

Sad Hcg only 7 at 12 dpo…

1 Upvotes

As the title says, my hcg came back today at only 7 and I’m 12 dpo. This would be my 2nd chemical pregnancy this year.

Should I prepare my heart for a chemical? I’ve been seeing faint lines since Sunday (10dpo) that have darkened just a bit but not a ton. I had a negative digital (clear blue 6 days sooner) yesterday and positive this morning. But then I got my first beta done and it was only 7. It feels like emotional whiplash to see “pregnant” only to then have the crushing reality that my hcg is just barely above the ‘not pregnant’ threshold. My theory is that my hcg is actively dropping and that’s why I was able to get that positive digital this morning but negative blood by noon. Should I prepare my heart?


r/CautiousBB 5h ago

Met hoeveel dpo heb je positief getest met gebruik van progesteron?

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1 Upvotes

Hoi allemaal,

Dit is onze vijfde maand waarin we proberen zwanger te worden, en ik ben een vrouw van 27.

Tijdens onze tweede poging had ik op 9 DPO een heel zwakke positieve zwangerschapstest, en daarna kreeg ik mijn menstruatie op 10 DPO. Ik heb een korte luteale fase van ongeveer 9 dagen.

Tijdens onze derde poging had ik op 8 DPO een heel licht positieve test, op 9 DPO was de positieve lijn duidelijk zichtbaar als licht positief, en op 10 DPO was de testlijn echt heel duidelijk. Alleen had ik wel sterke menstruatie-achtige krampen, en ongeveer twee uur nadat ik een BFP had (veel/duidelijk positieve test), begon ik ongesteld te worden.

In eerste instantie dacht ik dat mijn miskramen/chemische zwangerschappen misschien te maken hadden met mijn korte luteale fase.

Sinds de derde poging heb ik ook pijn rond mijn rechter eierstok. Ongeveer een week na de chemische zwangerschap heb ik een transvaginale echo gehad om een buitenbaarmoederlijke zwangerschap uit te sluiten. Als de zwangerschap door was gegaan zonder het bloeden, dan was ik op dat moment ongeveer vijf weken zwanger geweest.

De maand daarna, tijdens onze vierde poging, hebben we alles weer heel precies getimed, net zoals in de vorige maanden. Omdat ik vaginisme heb, doen we de inseminatie thuis. Ik gebruik ovulatietesten, ik kan echt goed voelen wanneer ik ovuleer, en ik houd ook mijn basale lichaamstemperatuur bij. Op basis van dit alles ben ik heel zeker van wanneer ik ovuleer.

Helaas kreeg ik die maand zelfs niet eens een heel vaag positieve test, terwijl ik wel sterk het gevoel had dat het misschien gelukt was en ik dacht dat ik misschien innesteling had gevoeld.

Deze cyclus is nu onze vijfde poging, en mijn fertiliteitsarts heeft vaginale progesteron voorgeschreven: 300 mg twee keer per dag (Utrogestan).
Vanaf ongeveer 7 DPO—dus rond de tijd dat ik tijdens mijn vorige zwangerschappen dacht dat ik innesteling had—begon ik opnieuw aan de rechterkant van mijn onderbuik, rond het gebied boven mijn eierstok, korte, scherpe en drukachtige sensaties te voelen.

Deze keer heb ik ook aan de linkerkant vergelijkbare sensaties gevoeld, omdat ik vermoed dat ik van beide eierstokken heb geovuleerd: ik had namelijk rond de ovulatie sensaties aan beide kanten.
Vanaf ongeveer 7–8 DPO heb ik ook behoorlijk heftige menstruatie-achtige krampen in mijn onderbuik, net boven mijn vulva. Het voelt precies hetzelfde als de krampen die ik normaal altijd krijg wanneer mijn menstruatie bijna gaat beginnen. Mijn menstruatie is eigenlijk vandaag al aan de beurt, maar het lijkt erop dat het progesteron het bloeden misschien tegenhoudt.

Ik heb ook een paar dagen vrij hevige eierstok-achtige krampen gehad, maar al mijn zwangerschapstesten blijven nog steeds helemaal negatief. Op dit moment denk ik niet dat deze cyclus een positieve test gaat opleveren, dus ik ben van plan om over drie dagen te stoppen met het progesteron.
Er is daarnaast nog iets interessants dat ik heb opgemerkt sinds ik met het progesteron ben begonnen.

Naast zwangerschapstesten gebruik ik vaak ook LH-testen. Normaal heb ik altijd wel een soort basale LH in mijn urine, dus er is meestal minstens een zichtbaar gekleurde testlijn. Toen ik eerder een positieve zwangerschapstest had, werden mijn LH-testen ook positief.

Sinds ik progesteron ben gestart rond 3–4 DPO, blijf ik ook mijn LH-waardes testen. Tot mijn verbazing zijn de testlijntjes voor LH héél licht geworden, en soms is er bijna helemaal geen lijn. Soms ziet de lijn er grijs uit of extreem lichtroze.
Dit is echt heel ongebruikelijk voor mij, omdat ik mijn LH al zo’n zeven maanden bijhoud. Ik test regelmatig na de ovulatie tot aan mijn menstruatie, en tijdens de luteale fase lieten mijn LH-testen altijd een duidelijk zichtbare roze lijn zien. Ze waren in die periode nooit positief, maar er was altijd een normale, duidelijk gekleurde testlijn.

Ik denk niet dat het een foutieve batch is, omdat ik dezelfde doos de week ervoor gebruikte om mijn ovulatie bij te houden. De testen liepen normaal op richting de ovulatie, en ik kreeg een sterke positieve test waarbij de testlijn donkerder was dan de controlelijn.

Nog iets wat ik heb opgemerkt: telkens wanneer ik urine opvang voor het testen, lijkt het alsof er zichtbare restjes van de progesteroncapsule in de urine terechtkomen, zelfs als ik een paar uur nadat ik hem heb ingebracht urineer. Er zijn vaak kleine witte stukjes die eruitzien als restmateriaal van de capsule.

Ik heb niet echt veel info online kunnen vinden over of vaginaal progesteron LH-testen kan beïnvloeden.
Dus mijn vraag is best breed:

Wat zijn jullie ervaringen met zwangerschap-/LH-testen tijdens het gebruik van vaginale progesteron-capsules?

Ik gebruik op dit moment Utrogestan 300 mg, twee keer per dag.

Ik moet ook even zeggen dat mijn progesteronwaardes nooit getest zijn voordat ik met de behandeling begon. Mijn fertiliteitsarts schreef het progesteron vooral voor op basis van mijn korte luteale fase van 9 dagen en omdat ik eerder heel vroege positieve zwangerschapstesten had gehad, gevolgd door bloedingen—waardoor luteale fase-ondersteuning logisch leek.


r/CautiousBB 5h ago

TW/TMI Any success stories for low progesterone in fist trimester?

1 Upvotes

This is such a miserable spot to be in (the waiting)…. my doctor has it made up that I will miscarry. I started bleeding August 12, the day my period was supposed to start, & haven’t stopped yet (like 20 days now) … the bleeding was heavier like a normal period only on day 2&3. When I didn’t stop bleeding after day 5 like my normal period, I began researching online.

Other moms said that happened to them & they ended up being pregnant. I ended up making an appointment & it was only for labs. My first labs were HCG-458 & my Progesterone was 3.1. My second set of labs about 46-ish hours later were HCG- 613 & Progesterone 2.6.

They called back for an ultrasound appt. due to my HCG levels rising & not decreasing (ectopic was the concern). The ultrasound showed a possible gestation sac and was only measuring around 4 wks (according to my last period I should have been around 6wks).

This happened last week. In 2 days (8 days after last labs)I go in for more labs (only bc I requested it) I‘m trying to hold onto any hope left. Anybody have a similar story?


r/CautiousBB 5h ago

21 dpo - chemical potential

1 Upvotes

I tested positive at 15dpo which was already faint (tracking ovulation using strips), 17dpo and 19dpo. Today is 21dpo and this morning I had a faint positive; fainter than the previous tests. Obviously I spiralled and took another 3 hours later and it just looked.. negative. I couldn’t see anything. I’ve had to have a beta blood test today but they didn’t give me hope and told me to prepare for a chemical. I don’t know how to calm down. This is my second miscarriage in 6 months.