I have never been pregnant. blood work showed hcg of 18.4 one day and 8 two days later. am i pregnant? what is going on if so?

Sexually active?: if so this may be a spontaneous abortion ( miscarriage ). I suggest a GYN exam. Other issues may be related to female hormone and thyroid hormone levels as well as PCOS.

Your question leads: to more questions. Without such details, I can respond only with generalities. Very early on, before even missed period, hcg levels MAY be as low as 5 mIU/ml but, with a healthy pregnancy, levels rise very fast. Declining levels don't bode well. You may have conceived but the early embryo didn't "take". Don't give up. Your chances of a healthy pregnancy are good. Best wishes. Dr. Anne

Probably not: If the HCG levels are dropping you may have had a very early miscarriage or blighted ovum