Understanding Rising hCG Levels After a Positive Pregnancy Test

If you have had a positive blood test for pregnancy, it is very unlikely that your hCG levels will go down.

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone that is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It is typically detectable in the urine and blood within a few days of implantation. HCG levels rise rapidly in the early stages of pregnancy, doubling every 48 to 72 hours.

However, there are some cases in which hCG levels may go up but then drop. This can occur in the following situations:

- Miscarriage: A miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. Miscarriages can occur for many reasons, including chromosomal abnormalities, uterine abnormalities, and infections. When a miscarriage occurs, hCG levels typically start to drop within 24 to 48 hours.

- Ectopic pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancies cannot progress to term and must be treated with medication or surgery. HCG levels may rise in an ectopic pregnancy, but they will not rise as rapidly as they would in a normal pregnancy. They may also start to drop if the ectopic pregnancy ruptures.

-Molar pregnancy: A molar pregnancy is a rare condition that occurs when the fertilized egg develops into a mass of abnormal tissue instead of a fetus. Molar pregnancies can cause hCG levels to rise very high. However, they will eventually start to drop as the molar pregnancy is expelled from the uterus.

If you have had a positive blood test for pregnancy and are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to see your doctor right away:

- Vaginal bleeding or spotting

- Abdominal pain

- Severe nausea and vomiting

- Fever and chills

- Dizziness or fainting

- Pain in the shoulder or neck

If your hCG is not doubling appropriately or if it drops, your provider will order additional testing to determine the cause and the best course of treatment.