Why Google Is Not Always a Good Thing

I had my followup blood test yesterday, and the good news is that my Beta hCG went from 165 on Saturday to 416 on Monday. The numbers are supposed to double every 48 hours or so, so this is a very good sign. Unfortunately my progesterone level is not so hot. It's still within normal limits, but it's on the low side; it dropped from 11 to 9.5 from Saturday to Monday. The lower end of normal is 9 but, according to the nurse, Dr. M likes to see at least 13 or 14 at this stage in the pregnancy. She said it was nothing to worry about, but that Dr. M wanted to switch me from Endometrin to regular progesterone suppositories, which are supposed to be stronger.

Despite the nurse's reassurance not to worry, being the worry wart that I am, I immediately started to google low and falling progesterone levels in pregnancy. Bad idea! From what I read, it seems that low (and especially falling) progesterone levels can be a sign that the pregnancy is doomed to miscarriage! :( Of course I also read some anecdotal stories of women who had had ridiculously low progesterone levels but went on to deliver healthy babies. I also read that vaginal progesterone like Endometrin usually doesn't show up in the blood tests as well as progesterone pills or shots because most of the progesterone is absorbed directly into the uterine lining where it needs to be rather than going into the blood stream. I really hope these new progesterone suppositories bring my level up. They're messier than the Endometrin, but if they work, it's all worth it. I go in tomorrow (Wednesday) for another blood test. Until then, I am going to try to relax and not stress too much (easier said than done, of course!). AC arrives tonight, and I can't wait to see him. I need him and his calming influence right now.