HCG Levels In Pregnancy

Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone is also known as HCG. It is produced during the early phase of pregnancy and is secreted by the trophoblast subsequent to the fertilization of the ovum. It can be generally detected through the expectant mother’s blood test about 11 days post conception. In case of urine test it is detectable about 12-14 days after conception.

HCG is made of cells that form the placenta. Normally HCG level gets doubled every 3 days. The HCG level is at peak in the 8th to 11th week of pregnancy after which it declines and becomes stable for the remaining pregnancy.

Production of HCG during your pregnancy plays a significant role. It prevents the disintegration of the corpus luteum, stimulates the production of estrogen, and maintains the secretion of progesterone by the corpus luteum. It also stimulates the development of fetal gonad and synthesis of androgen by the fetal testes, maintains the endometrium for the 1st trimester and promotes the development of the placenta.

There are two types of HCG tests viz. a qualitative HCG test and a quantitative HCG test. The purpose of a qualitative HCG test is to find out whether HCG is present in the blood or not. The quantitative HCG test is commonly called beta HCG and measures the actual amount of HCG that is present in the blood.

HCG is measured in mIU/ml i.e milli-international units per millimeter. If your HCG test gives result that is less than 5mIU/ml, it will mean negative pregnancy. And in case your test result is anything above 25mIU/ml, it will indicate positive pregnancy.

In case your HCG level is low, it can mean different things. In this condition your doctor will recommend for re-test within 2-3 days to make out how your HCG level is changing. A low HCG level could be a sign of miscalculation of conception date or an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage or blighted ovum. A high HCG level can also indicate a number of possibilities such as miscalculation of pregnancy date or a multiple pregnancy or molar pregnancy. In case of a high HCG level too you should be re-tested within 48 to 72 hours.

Medications that contain HCG can interfere with the levels of HCG. Fertility drugs contain HCG and should be discussed with your doctor if you take them. Your doctor will explain you how these medications would affect your tests.