Let’s Talk Beta Numbers

I’m officially a mess. I hate focusing on numbers when it comes to infertility. While usually, betas double every 48-72 hours, they don’t always. In fact, during my frantic Googling, I learned that 15% of the time the beta doesn’t double—and everything is perfectly fine. And there’s the possibility that frozen embryos could start out with lower beta numbers? I don’t know. That’s according to Dr. Google. Anyway, turns out I needed three betas.

Tuesday // 12dpt // BETA #1

I sent a portal message Sunday night to my clinic, telling them I was getting positive home pregnancy tests and could I pretty please get an early beta? It was supposed to be for Thursday, 14 dpt, but ugh. I’m so impatient. Luckily, she replied back right away with the order Monday morning and I got an appointment for this morning at 9:00. Olivia came with because I was going to drop her off at daycare. She held my hand and said I was brave during the blood draw.

After I dropped her off, I went grocery shopping and did what I could to distract myself. I mean, I know it’s positive, but I was really wanting to know what that number was. Not that it means a lot because a number is a number.

I think my pregnancy heartburn is picking up again. I rarely get it anymore, but today off and on it’s been bad. I peed on a Wondfo, and that was looking nice and dark. Still some mild cramps at times and I’m tired, but that wasn’t too bad today compared to the weekend. I did still take a nap this afternoon.

OK, OK, beta number. My satellite clinic actually called around 11:00 am with the results right before she faxed them to my clinic.

165, baby!

We’re rechecking again Thursday. My progesterone is slightly lower at 39 (he wants it at least 40), so I’m starting oral progesterone pills tonight twice a day. I had to do this for my October transfer as well and still had some left over. Estrogen is over 1,000 because I had added in the one vaginally so no concerns there.

This still feels surreal. I decided against sharing the number until I get the second beta back, all looks well, and they have scheduled me for a confirmation of pregnancy ultrasound. I’ve heard the experience of other’s, the breaking down and scrutinizing of the numbers from others. The beta seems a little low. Ah, the beta didn’t quite double. My beta was such and such.

It’s so much pressure, you guys.

I’ve stopped testing with the FRERs, but I have enough Wondfos to last until Friday, so I’m running those out. They’re still looking good, but waiting for the second beta is even harder than the first. I knew I was already pregnant, so the first number, while really good, doesn’t mean as much in importance as the second. And I lost Adam on the second beta.

Thursday // 14dpt // BETA #2

The wait for the blood work was brutal today. I kept obsessing while I was with a friend on why the nurse practitioner wasn’t calling me at my satellite clinic, because she called me for my first one at 11:00. At 1:00, I called and left a voicemail, asking if my results had been sent to the Houston clinic. Then I waited. Freaked out some more.

She finally called and said they were faxing the results. Beta was—

272.

So it didn’t quite double. It almost did. When I got my message from Houston, they said everything looked great. They want to do a third beta Monday, with a possible US Wednesday or Thursday next week. I asked if it was concerning the beta didn’t double and the nurse said the doctor wants to see it increase by 60% and mine increased by 65%. I’m trying to keep the faith, but it’s a little more difficult now. Luckily, with the addition of oral progesterone now twice a day, my progesterone is back up to badass levels, so I don’t have to worry about that.

I have been having some very subtle nausea in the morning before getting out of bed, and still have heartburn that’s pissing me off. I’ve also been feeling the familiar little “nibbling” feeling on my lower left that I remember having with Olivia. Something is still there.

Friday // 15dpt

I took my last Wondfo this morning. I’m trying to fight the urge to order more, one because they wouldn’t be delivered today, and two, I don’t need any more reasons to be a complete psycho.

Saturday // 16dpt

LOTS of symptoms today. A hormone surge, as I was told. I had crazy levels of HOLYHELLFIRE heartburn almost all day, I could barely keep my eyes open, and had a tiny bit of nausea.

Sunday // 17dpt

No symptoms. I’m a little tired, but that’s pretty much it. Trying not to freak again. I had a surge yesterday, and therefore I need some days where there’s nothing going on. I had this with Olivia, but it’s still unnerving. I had to resist buying another 3-pack of FRERs because hello, I don’t need to pay $12.99 for something that’s FINE. At least that’s what I keep telling myself.

Monday // 18dpt // BETA #3

Olivia woke up with a stomach bug again. Apparently, that was a good distraction from Beta Day, and Chris stayed home to help with her while I went to my blood draw and therapy appointment.

I’m exhausted. Daylight Savings + sick baby since 4 am + trying to sustain life inside me is wreaking havoc on me. But still.

Beta #3 came back at 1,178! 

My progesterone continues to be a bitch and dropped again, so I need to increase my oral progesterone to three times a day instead of two.

I’m pregnant, though. For this, I can breathe easier. I think this makes me 5w3d today. First ultrasound is on Thursday!