In IVF and surrogacy journeys, few numbers trigger more anxiety than your first beta HCG level.
For many intended parents, that number becomes a symbol of hope—or heartbreak.
But sometimes, even when everything looks bleak on paper, the story takes an unexpected and beautiful turn.
This is one of those stories.
💔 A Long Journey to Two Precious Embryos
The intended mother was 42 when she underwent IVF. After several failed cycles, hormone injections, egg retrievals, and emotional setbacks, she and her husband were finally able to create two PGT-A tested embryos.
Two.
That was all. But it was enough.
Because of her age and the difficulty of achieving genetically normal embryos, they made the thoughtful and strategic decision to move forward with gestational surrogacy—giving their embryos the best chance of becoming a baby.
🤍 The First Transfer: Hope, Then Heartbreak
In September 2023, they matched with a warm, reliable surrogate.
The process moved forward steadily:
- Medical screening in October
- Legal contracts finalized in November
- Embryo transfer scheduled for February 12, 2024
Nine days later, they got the first beta HCG result: 13 mIU/mL
It was low. Very low.
Two days later, HCG dropped to 6. The cycle had failed.
It was a crushing blow—not just emotionally, but because half of their embryos were now gone. They had one left. One chance.
🔍 Searching for Answers
Wanting to leave no stone unturned, they conducted an ERA (Endometrial Receptivity Analysis) test in April. The results were normal. No obvious issues to address.
They regrouped. They planned. And then—they tried again.
🌱 The Second Transfer: A Fragile Beginning
On May 15, their final embryo was transferred.
Nine days later, on May 24, the HCG result came in: 14 mIU/mL
If anything, it looked just like the failed cycle.
Everyone braced for the worst. But something told them not to give up—not yet.
They continued all medications, following the doctor’s instructions exactly.
And then…
- May 28 (13DPT): HCG rose to 65
- May 31 (16DPT): HCG reached 194
- June 10: An ultrasound detected a heartbeat—though the baby measured a few days behind
- June 17: A follow-up ultrasound showed perfect growth. The baby had caught up.
Month after month, the pregnancy progressed normally. And in November 2024, their healthy baby was born.
🔄 What This Teaches Us About Low HCG and Real Hope
Most people would’ve assumed this cycle was a loss. A beta HCG of 14 on day 9? That’s barely positive. But numbers don’t tell the whole story.
What mattered was the growth. The second and third beta results showed that something was happening. Something real. Something strong.
And most importantly:
The surrogate followed every instruction. She didn’t stop medications early. She didn’t assume the worst. She waited—just as the doctor told her to.
💡 Final Thoughts: When You See a Low Number, Don’t Give Up
In IVF and surrogacy, it’s easy to feel like everything rests on a single number. But one number doesn’t define your outcome.
If your HCG seems low on day 9 after transfer:
- Continue medications exactly as prescribed
- Wait for follow-up tests before jumping to conclusions
- Stay in close communication with your care team
This story is proof that sometimes the smallest number can still become the biggest miracle.
❓ FAQ: Low HCG After Embryo Transfer
1. Is a beta HCG of 14 too low after IVF or surrogacy transfer?
It is considered low, but what matters most is whether it doubles every 48–72 hours. Some pregnancies with a low initial beta still result in healthy births.
2. What is more important—HCG level or doubling time?
Doubling time is more predictive of pregnancy outcome. A low start that rises steadily can still indicate a viable pregnancy.
3. Can surrogacy succeed even with low beta HCG?
Yes. As shown in this case, surrogates who follow medical protocols strictly can carry successful pregnancies, even when the first numbers look discouraging.
4. What should intended parents do if the first beta is low?
Remain patient, continue all medications, and wait for repeat tests. Avoid making assumptions based on a single result.
👉 Ready to begin your surrogacy journey with expert guidance? Contact Ivy Surrogacy today for a free consultation.
