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I am 28. Can hCG detect early pregnancy when pain is present?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 28 years old. I got a positive result in the urine test for pregnancy after a missed period. My last period date was on the 24th. As I had slight abdominal pain, I was asked to do the beta hCG blood test twice in the gap of 48 hours to detect if the pregnancy is normal or ectopic. Below are the test results. I have also attached the reports. Beta hCG as on 26th 2349.18 mIU/mL and on 28th 4357.73 mIU/mL.

Could you please suggest if the results appear normal? There has been no bleeding or spotting and the abdominal pain is reduced as well. Also, the pain is not restricted to one point or area. Kindly suggest if any further tests are required now.

Apart from the above, please let me know if I can take Cetirizine twice a week as I have a skin allergy for quite a long time and have been relying on Cetirizine. Also, please inform me if I need to take any alternative for Cetirizine. Also, kindly suggest me some medicine for the increasing acidity.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Shruti Kainth Kaushal

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shruti Kainth Kaushal is an Obstetrician and a Gynecologist with 17 years of clinical experience. She completed her MBBS at the University of Delhi and DGO at the Maulana Azad Medical College. She handles all problems related to women right from puberty to pregnancy, childbirth to menopause. Currently, she is practicing at JP Hospital, Zirakpur, Punjab.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As I have gone through the reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity), the results are absolutely normal and indicating a healthy pregnancy. As the values have doubled, you need not worry. In ectopic pregnancy, beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) values will never rise more than 66 percent. Did you have any ultrasounds done to date?

I suggest progesterone tablets and this will reduce the vague abdominal pain. Regarding tests, you should get all antenatal investigations and ultrasounds for cardiac activity. For gastritis, I suggest tablet Rantac (Ranitidine). Instead of Cetirizine, I suggest tablet Allegra (Fexofenadine). But, as such Cetirizine is safe in pregnancy.

Investigations to be done are BG (blood gas), CBC (complete blood test), HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), STS (serologic test for syphilis), HbSAg (hepatitis B surface antigen), urine routine, thyroid profile, and fasting blood sugar.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again for further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Could you suggest in which week of pregnancy I am now? When can I go for the first ultrasound and an ultrasound for cardiac activities? Also, when should antenatal investigations and all the tests mentioned by you be done? Apart from this, I just wanted to know if traveling is safe during this period, as I travel three days a week for around 2 hours each day. I generally take nine tablets of Cetirizine in a month. Shall I continue the same? Or does it need to be reduced?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Shruti Kainth Kaushal

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shruti Kainth Kaushal is an Obstetrician and a Gynecologist with 17 years of clinical experience. She completed her MBBS at the University of Delhi and DGO at the Maulana Azad Medical College. She handles all problems related to women right from puberty to pregnancy, childbirth to menopause. Currently, she is practicing at JP Hospital, Zirakpur, Punjab.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You are five weeks and two days pregnant. Ideally, traveling should be avoided, but if necessary, you can do it under progesterone cover. Regarding investigations and ultrasound, you can get them in seven weeks. You can take Cetirizine, but nine is too much. Try and reduce it to four to five.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again for further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I can avail myself of one month of the work-from-home option during my pregnancy as per my office policies, apart from maternity leave. Could you suggest which is the most critical time to avoid travel? I can plan to rest at home during that period. Apart from this, currently I am having Duphaston, 10 mg, two tablets a day and Folinext, one tablet every day. Could you suggest if I can continue with this or if any other medicine is required?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Shruti Kainth Kaushal

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shruti Kainth Kaushal is an Obstetrician and a Gynecologist with 17 years of clinical experience. She completed her MBBS at the University of Delhi and DGO at the Maulana Azad Medical College. She handles all problems related to women right from puberty to pregnancy, childbirth to menopause. Currently, she is practicing at JP Hospital, Zirakpur, Punjab.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

As of now, you are taking Duphaston that is progesterone and so it is good. Medicines are sufficient as of now. First three months are the most crucial in terms of travel. If placenta comes low lying, then the rest of the pregnancy can be crucial. So, till the ultrasound you can wait to avail the leave. You can take intermittent leaves if possible.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I wanted to ask about the ultrasound procedure. Can I get it done at any nearby clinic or a known hospital? I wanted to know as the equipment quality and the person doing is important. Is it a fairly standard procedure that can be done anywhere?

Answered by Dr. Shruti Kainth Kaushal

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shruti Kainth Kaushal is an Obstetrician and a Gynecologist with 17 years of clinical experience. She completed her MBBS at the University of Delhi and DGO at the Maulana Azad Medical College. She handles all problems related to women right from puberty to pregnancy, childbirth to menopause. Currently, she is practicing at JP Hospital, Zirakpur, Punjab.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It can be done anywhere with a recognized center and depending on the person doing the scan.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Currently, I am in my 7th week of pregnancy. I had my first scan done today. Kindly review the attached reports and share your inputs on the same. Apart from Folinext and Duphaston, do I need to take any other medicine? Also, let me know the blood tests that need to be done now.

Answered by Dr. Shruti Kainth Kaushal

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shruti Kainth Kaushal is an Obstetrician and a Gynecologist with 17 years of clinical experience. She completed her MBBS at the University of Delhi and DGO at the Maulana Azad Medical College. She handles all problems related to women right from puberty to pregnancy, childbirth to menopause. Currently, she is practicing at JP Hospital, Zirakpur, Punjab.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Your report is absolutely fine (attachment removed to protect patient identity). You need to take Folinext and Duphaston for 12 to 14 weeks. Nothing else is needed as of now. You should have a balanced diet and proper sleep.

I hope this helps.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have got the reports of the blood tests suggested by you. Kindly refer the attached reports and share your inputs on the same. As per my understanding, I am little concerned about my hemoglobin and TSH level. If required, suggest any new medicines to be taken. Currently, I am taking Duphaston 10 mg twice and Folinext 5 mg once a day.

Answered by Dr. Shruti Kainth Kaushal

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shruti Kainth Kaushal is an Obstetrician and a Gynecologist with 17 years of clinical experience. She completed her MBBS at the University of Delhi and DGO at the Maulana Azad Medical College. She handles all problems related to women right from puberty to pregnancy, childbirth to menopause. Currently, she is practicing at JP Hospital, Zirakpur, Punjab.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have seen the reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity) and the thyroid is a little high. It needs discussion. As it is high for these weeks of pregnancy, medicine needs to be started. Please consult your treating obstetrician and discuss this immediately.

I hope this helps.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At October 24, 2016
Reviewed At March 10, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shruti Kainth Kaushal is an Obstetrician and a Gynecologist with 17 years of clinical experience. She completed her MBBS at the University of Delhi and DGO at the Maulana Azad Medical College. She handles all problems related to women right from puberty to pregnancy, childbirth to menopause. Currently, she is practicing at JP Hospital, Zirakpur, Punjab.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Early Pregnancy hCG Levels, Medications & Travel Companion

How it works

Navigating early pregnancy can bring many questions. Here's a breakdown of key information regarding hCG levels, symptoms, medications, and important tests.

1

hCG
Levels

2

Pregnancy
Week

3

Travel
Timing

4

Pregnancy
Medications

5

Antenatal
Tests

6

Ultrasound
Scan

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shruti Kainth Kaushal is an Obstetrician and a Gynecologist with 17 years of clinical experience. She completed her MBBS at the University of Delhi and DGO at the Maulana Azad Medical College. She handles all problems related to women right from puberty to pregnancy, childbirth to menopause. Currently, she is practicing at JP Hospital, Zirakpur, Punjab.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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