Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by the placenta during early pregnancy.
Functions
It allows the secretion of progesterone that produces blood
vessels around the uterus to sustain the pregnancy.
It also regulates the proliferation and differentiation of
cells and may cause cell death.
It helps to secrete testosterone from the testes.
hCG Test
Urine or blood hCG levels are measured to determine early
pregnancy. The urine hCG test detects the pregnancy two weeks after the implantation
whereas the blood test is more sensitive the detects the pregnancy even
earlier.
A blood test of hCG is required after the urinary
confirmation of pregnancy. The blood test is essential because it provides the hCG’s
quantitative value that determines whether the pregnancy is going well. If the
levels are rising and within the normal range, then nothing is to worry about.
The repetition of the test is not required until prescribed by the physician.
Photo: Google Images
Standard values of hCG during different stages of pregnancy.
Pregnancy week Standard
hCG range (
3 5–50
4 5–426
5 18–7,340
6 1,080–56,500
7–8 7,650–229,000
9–12 25,700–288,000
13–16 13,300–254,000
17–24 4,060–165,400
25–40 3,640–117,000
Low hCG levels during
pregnancy
Low hCG levels are an indication of early pregnancy but if
the levels fail to rise after a few days then it may suggest an ectopic pregnancy.
Falling levels of hCG after a few weeks may indicate a miscarriage that is
further confirmed by ultrasound.
High hCG levels during
pregnancy
Twins or triplets
Increased levels of hCG could be an indication of multiple pregnancies
however, an ultrasound is required to validate the results.
Gestational age is wrong
Higher levels may indicate that you are forgetting the
correct gestational age. A dating scan further confirms the correct age of
gestation.
Medical conditions
Higher levels of hCG may indicate;
Gestational trophoblastic disease (abnormal growth of trophoblastic
cells)
Molar pregnancy (improper embryo formation)
Hyperemesis gravidarum (severe vomiting and nausea during
pregnancy)
Thyroid storm (abnormal rise in blood pressure, heart rate,
and body temperature)
Therefore, it is important to determine hCG levels on regular
basis, particularly during the first trimester.
Treatment options
Unfortunately, no treatment option is available to manage the
hCG levels, however, monitoring these levels helps to find the status of your
pregnancy.
References
Here's what hCG levels in pregnancy really mean (2022).
https://www.todaysparent.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/hcg-levels/
Stages of Fetal Development - First Trimester
Guideline To HCG Levels During Pregnancy". American
Pregnancy Association. 22 August 2017.
https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/hcg-levels/
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