Expert: Dorothy H, LCCE - 5/17/2010

Question
Hi what does 172 hcg numbers mean in weeks? intercourse was on april 7th... found out I was pregnant on may 8th with urin and blood work and ultasound on may 13th and couldnt see nothing couldnt even see I was pregnant at all.. No little black spot. is this too early to see fetus or even a yolk sac? I would be 4 weeks from conception when I had ultrasound so wondering how come I dont see nothing

Answer
Hi Ann,

Normal hCG levels can vary widely.  If you or your care provider is concerned about your levels, you can have follow up hCG testing done which will help determine if your pregnancy is progressing normally.

From The American Pregnancy Association:

"A transvaginal ultrasound should be able to show at least a gestational sac once the hCG levels have reached between 1,000 - 2,000mIU/ml. Because levels can differentiate so much and conception dating can be wrong, a diagnosis should not be made by ultrasound findings until the hCG level has reached at least 2,000."

You wouldn't expect to be able to see anything via ultrasound until the hCG levels get closer to 1000.

I would suggest following up with your doctor or midwife and discussing your concerns.  They can suggest follow up testing if they feel it is warranted, or if you feel it would help put your mind at ease.

Sincerely,

Dorothy H, LCCE