[rebekkahlahey]

Hi ladies. Ive been posting on the IUI site for a few months now and my bubby and I got our BFP last thursday. Ive never had a normal pregnancy as i have lost both my babies before 6 weeks. But we have high hopes with number3! Since I have zero experience with pregnancy past that time Im so lost. Last thursday at 11dop my beta was 15. ANd today at 15 dpo my beta is 159! I hope thats good. I was expecting 60. I told my doctor I didnt want anymore betas because i couldnt stand the worry they cause waiting for the number and he said 159 was solid so I have my first US scheduled on the 27th. So I have some q's for everyone. Is my beta normal? also, Ive had some abdominal pain and feels like a bit of a digestive backup.(sorry TMI) Is this normal this early? Its kinda hard to tell the diff between uterus cramps and gas pain. Any help would be great.

[kblythe]

Congratulations! It sounds like you are off to a great start. But I'll caution you that you shouldn't try too hard to compare your beta numbers to others ... the amount of hcg varies so much from person to person. The important thing is that the numbers are at least doubling every 48-72 hours, which yours definitely are. I know from experience, because I worried that my numbers were too low, but here I am 6 1/2 months later, and everything is fine.

As for abdominal cramping, that is very common in early pregnancy. I think your uterus starts stretching pretty early on!

Again, congratulations!

Kathryn.

PS -- constipation is also quite common in early pregnancy with the increasing progesterone. Try to drink lots of water, which helps.

[infertilitynovice]

Congratulations on your !!! I got mine with my first IUI too

Like Kblythe said, the crampy or pulling sensations are totally normal for this stage. And so is constipation. There are lots of tricks to help with that. I would suggest a few Sunsweet Ones prunes (they're yummy) or chew a FiberOne tablet with your prenatal vitamin. That helped me a lot.

I did a lot of signature scanning for beta numbers to compare to mine too. I think that's fairly normal behavior (I hope), but at 15dpo, I think your number is just great. Most people don't go for their first beta until 14 or 15dpo anyways.

I think you're off to a great start!! I hope that all continues to be well from here on out.

[MissusJones]

Congrats!! Many of us have started out with low numbers and have huge success. Stay positive and relax!

[sarahelaine57]

I second all the other ladies but wanted to say CONGRATS!!! And that is a fantastic beta number, and I applaude your self control, I would still probably be getting betas if they let me! And the cramps are pretty normal, the joys of pregnancy! Yaaay you are a momma!!!

[Eriksgirl19]

Congratulations!!

I just wanted to say that I lost my first 2 pregnancies as well....sometimes the third time is the charm! I wish you all the best!

[hannah01]

congrats!! i'd say your beta looks great and you've got no reason to worry. i think you were wise to avoid anymore betas ... frankly, i think beyond the first 2, all they do is cause more stress. i had cramps for almost my entire first trimester. they kind of felt like af-cramps and weren't strong, but were constant. worried me a lot until i realized that they are very common!

[rebekkahlahey]

You ladies are amazing. I really dont know what a normal pregnancy is like so im so relieved that all this is normal. And the tip that progesterone causes constipation, Im on progesterone supp so that explains it! Knowing that helps me relax a little. Im so excited but reserved about this baby. But hopefully the first ultrasound will release my guard. Thank you all so much.