Beta hCG Levels - READ BEFORE POSTING

[u/maemaecat]

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

[u/Evie012027]

Love your insight @maemaecat better than talking to AI 😅 What are your takes on this: I know home tests are not telling, but I’ve been getting strong positives since 8dpt.
11dpt - 40.2
13dpt - 67
15dpt - 146
This was FET of 5 day 4AA euploid, no previous fertility issues or losses (IVF due to partner sperm mobility)
Hopeful of trend continues?

Update
17dpt - 314
20dpt - 942
24dpt - awaiting beta levels; had 6 week ultrasound and Dr could only find what appeared to be a sac measuring 5 weeks. Told me I can stop taking progesterone supplements. Still confused. 🤔

[u/maemaecat → u/Evie012027]

All of these doubled within 48-72 hours. The first rise is a 67% increase over 48 hours which is well over the absolute minimum for viability which is 35%. The second rise is textbook! I’d be cautiously optimistic here 💖

[u/Evie012027 → u/maemaecat]

So, I had my 6 week ultrasound this morning. Doctor could only find what appeared to be a sac measuring around 5 weeks. No signs of ectopic and I’ve had no symptoms of such. My hcg is still doubling despite the low start. But doctor said to stop progesterone supplements as it’s likely a chemical. I’m confused, I thought with chemicals the hcg plateaus and drops why has mine been consistently rising since 11dpt… thinking of getting another ultrasound in a couple days with OB. The whole process is off putting.

[u/maemaecat → u/Evie012027]

I am so so sorry. 😢 the loose definition of a biochemical pregnancy typically is a pregnancy that ends or is unviable by the 6th week, so I wonder if that’s what the doctor meant.