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hCG
(human chorionic gonadotropin) Levels During Pregnancy
What
is hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)?
Human
chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, is produced during pregnancy.
It can be detected by a blood test around eight to eleven
days past ovulation. HCG maintains the corpus
luteum, which is responsible for
progesterone production in early pregnancy.
Progesterone helps to keep the lining of the uterus thick
for a healthy pregnancy. If there is no hCG present in the
woman’s body the lining of the uterus will begin to
shed and a new menstrual cycle will begin.
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What
are normal hCG levels?
There
is quite a range in what is considered a normal hCG level.
In about 85 percent of pregnancies hCG levels will double
every two to three days. Your doctor may check your beta hCG
level more than once to see if it is rising appropriately.
See Justmommies hCG
doubling calculator.
What
are normal hCG levels?
|
hCG
levels during pregnancy
(in weeks sincelast menstrual period) |
| 3
weeks LMP |
5
- 50 mIU/ml |
| 4
weeks LMP |
5
- 426 mIU/ml |
| 5
weeks LMP |
18
- 7,340 mIU/ml |
| 6
weeks LMP |
1,080
- 56,500 mIU/ml |
| 7
- 8 weeks LMP |
7,
650 - 229,000 mIU/ml |
| 9
- 12 weeks LMP |
25,700
- 288,000 mIU/ml |
| 13
- 16 weeks LMP |
13,300
- 254,000 mIU/ml |
| 17
- 24 weeks LMP |
4,060
- 165,400 mIU/ml |
| 25
- 40 weeks LMP |
3,640
- 117,000 mIU/ml |
| non
pregnant |
55-200
ng/ml |
Low
hCG levels
Low
hCG levels may indicate a miscalculated date of conception,
an ectopic
pregnancy, or a possible miscarriage.
However, a perfectly healthy pregnancy may have low hCG levels.
High
hCG levels
High
hCG levels may indicate a miscalculated date of conception,
a molar pregnancy, or a multiple
pregnancy.
What
can interfere with hCG levels?
Some
fertility drugs containing hCG may affect your hCG levels.
Other than that, other medications including antibiotics and
oral contraceptives will not affect your hCG level. If you
are taking a fertility medication that would affect your hCG
level your health care provider should discuss with you how
this would affect your tests.
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