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hCG levels | Pregnancy Birth and Baby
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Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone normally produced by the placenta. If you are pregnant, you can detect it in your urine. Blood tests measuring hCG levels can also be used to check how well your pregnancy is progressing.
Confirming pregnancy
After you conceive (when the sperm fertilises the egg), the developing placenta begins to produce and release hCG.
It takes about 2 weeks for your hCG levels to be high enough to be detected in your urine using a home pregnancy test.
A positive home test result is almost certainly correct, but a negative result is less reliable.
If you do a pregnancy test on the first day after your missed period, and it’s negative, wait about a week. If you still think you might be pregnant, do the test again or see your doctor.
hCG blood levels by week
If your doctor needs more information about your hCG levels, they may order a blood test. Low levels of hCG may be detected in your blood around 8 to 11 days after conception. hCG levels are highest towards the end of the first trimester, then gradually decline over the rest of your pregnancy.
The average levels of hCG in a pregnant woman’s blood are:
3 weeks | 6 – 70 IU/L |
4 weeks | 10 - 750 IU/L |
5 weeks | 200 - 7,100 IU/L |
6 weeks | 160 - 32,000 IU/L |
7 weeks | 3,700 - 160,000 IU/L |
8 weeks | 32,000 - 150,000 IU/L |
9 weeks | 64,000 - 150,000 IU/L |
10 weeks | 47,000 - 190,000 IU/L |
12 weeks | 28,000 - 210,000 IU/L |
14 weeks | 14,000 - 63,000 IU/L |
15 weeks | 12,000 - 71,000 IU/L |
16 weeks | 9,000 - 56,000 IU/L |
16 - 29 weeks (second trimester) | 1,400 - 53,000 IU/L |
29 - 41 weeks (third trimester) | 940 - 60,000 IU/L |
The amount of hCG in your blood can give some information about your pregnancy and the health of your baby.
- Higher than expected levels: you may have multiple pregnancies (for example, twins and triplets) or an abnormal growth in the uterus
- Your hCG levels are falling: you may be having a loss of pregnancy (miscarriage) or risk of miscarriage
- Levels that are rising more slowly than expected: you may have an ectopic pregnancy – where the fertilised egg implants in the fallopian tube
hCG levels and multiple pregnancies
One of the ways of diagnosing a multiple pregnancy is by your hCG levels. A high level may indicate you are carrying multiple babies, but it can also be caused by other factors. You will need an ultrasound to confirm that it’s twins or more.
Levels of hCG in your blood don’t provide a diagnosis of anything. They can only suggest that there are issues to look into.
If you have any concerns about your hCG levels, or wish to know more, speak to your doctor or maternity healthcare professional. You can also call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436.
Sources:
UNSW Embryology (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin), Elsevier Patient Education (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin test), SydPath (hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotrophin), Pathology Tests Explained (Human chorionic gonadotropin), NSW Government Health Pathology (hCG factsheet)Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: December 2020
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Human chorionic gonadotropin - Pathology Tests Explained
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Week 5 of pregnancy is probably when you’ll know that you’re pregnant because your period is missing. There are also subtle changes in your body which are symptoms of pregnancy such as changes to your breasts, and pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness and pregnancy heartburn. These changes are caused by pregnancy hormones, like hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin, produced by the placenta) which is the hormone detected by a pregnancy test.
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4 weeks pregnant: Key points
When you are 4 weeks pregnant your body and your new baby are undergoing rapid changes. The placenta forms and begins producing a hormone called human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), which is the substance a pregnancy test detects to confirm you are pregnant. The cells which are growing into your new baby establish membranes which connect them to the placenta and prepare themselves for differentiation into different types of cells, which will occur next week when you are 5 weeks pregnant. These developments may cause you to experience unusual emotions and also cause changes in your body such as darkening of the areolas of your nipples.
Read more on Parenthub website
Week by week pregnancy- 6 weeks pregnant
6 weeks pregnant is a time when embryo development is occurring rapidly and pregnant women often start experiencing pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness. Pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), the hormone a pregnancy test detects, is usually evident in the woman’s blood in the sixth week of pregnancy. Antenatal care should be provided at a doctor appointment for women who have not already checked their pregnancy health. Find out more about the pregnancy changes which occur this week.
Read more on Parenthub website
5 weeks pregnant: Key points
The fifth week of pregnancy begins around the time your menstrual bleeding is due and is a good time to take a pregnancy test to confirm that you are pregnant. You are also likely to begin experiencing pregnancy symptoms like fatigue, morning sickness and changes to your breasts this week. Your baby is still only about 1.5mm long but it is developing rapidly and taking on a more human form. If you have not already visited your doctor the 5th week of pregnancy is a good time to do so.
Read more on Parenthub website
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HCG Levels in Pregnancy & hCG Levels Chart by Week
Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG for short, is often referred to as “the pregnancy hormone” because it’s present in large quantities during pregnancy. And it is, after all, the hormone that many at-home pregnancy tests are designed to detect! Find out more about what hCG is, when it’s detectable by at-home pregnancy tests, and what the typical hCG levels are for each of the early weeks of pregnancy.
What Is hCG and When Does Your Body Start Producing It?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is known as the pregnancy hormone, as your body produces it in large amounts when you’re pregnant.
Although you can have low levels of hCG in your body at any time, the levels of this hormone tend to rise sharply early on in your pregnancy for two reasons:
About 10 days after conception, the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of your uterus and your body starts to make hCG. Over the next week or so, hCG levels will increase.
At about 4 weeks pregnant, the egg—now called an embryo—implants further into the uterus and begins to produce even more hCG, which triggers increased productions of other hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Together, these hormones help build the lining of the uterus and send signals to the ovaries to stop releasing eggs, ultimately stopping your period.
During these early weeks of pregnancy, you may not show any outward signs of being pregnant and you may not even suspect that you’re pregnant! You may, however, experience implantation bleeding when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus (as described above). This is normal and may resemble spotting or a light period.
When Can Pregnancy Tests Detect hCG?
Home pregnancy tests often work by detecting hCG in your urine. All of these over-the-counter pregnancy tests work a little differently, so check the instructions in or on the box. Keep in mind that hCG levels increase over time, so at-home tests are more accurate as your pregnancy progresses. Therefore, a home-pregnancy test that’s taken too early might not detect low levels of hCG and could produce a false negative, meaning the result is negative when you’re actually pregnant. If you’re wondering when to take an at-home pregnancy test, try one of the following timelines:
You might try taking a pregnancy test about three to four weeks after the first day of your last period, as this is when the levels of hCG in your urine will have increased enough to be detectable.
You could wait until around the time you miss your next period, which could be the initial clue that you may be pregnant anyway! By then, the levels of hCG are detectable.
A blood test is the most accurate way to detect hCG levels, because more of the pregnancy hormone is present in the blood than in the urine. Plus, blood tests need less of the hCG hormone to detect a pregnancy, as explained below:
Blood tests. Pregnancy blood tests can detect hCG hormone levels as low as 5 to 10 mIU/mL.
Urine tests. At-home urine tests require higher levels of hCG to detect a pregnancy, typically at least 20 mIU/mL.
If your home pregnancy test is positive, your healthcare provider may offer a blood test to check your hCG levels. The results can help your provider confirm your pregnancy and determine how far along you are.
If you’ve just found out you’re pregnant, you can get an estimate of your due date with our Due Date Calculator using either the date of conception or the date of the first day of your last menstrual period!
hCG Levels Chart by Week
The week-by-week chart below will give you an idea of how your hCG levels may rise during the first trimester, and then dip slightly during the second trimester. Keep in mind that, if you want your hCG blood test results explained in more detail, your healthcare provider is the best person to ask.
What Does It Mean if You Have High or Low hCG Levels?
It’s important to remember that every pregnancy is different, and you may have lower or higher levels of hCG hormone than what’s indicated in the week-by-week chart above. Most likely, there’s no cause for concern, but your healthcare provider will help you understand what these levels mean.
Low Levels of hCG
Low levels of hCG are normal for non-pregnant women and men. Normally, hCG levels would be less than 5 mIU/mL and less than 2 mIU/mL, respectively, for these groups. If you’re pregnant and experience low hCG levels, it’s important to look at your entire pregnancy as a whole. Your healthcare provider will consider all the factors of your pregnancy to determine why you might be experiencing lower-than-normal levels of hCG. If your provider suspects anything like an ectopic pregnancy, they may perform additional tests to rule it out.
High Levels of hCG
Likewise, high levels of the hCG hormone might not indicate anything out of the ordinary. However, a higher-than-normal level of hCG may be a sign that you’re having twins or triplets! Again, your healthcare provider will work with you to determine an appropriate course of action, if any is needed. Lower- or higher-than-normal levels of the hCG hormone during your pregnancy might not indicate anything unusual. However, it’s always a good idea to follow up with your healthcare provider as a precaution, regardless of any questions or concerns you have. Read more about other pregnancy symptoms not to ignore.
The Bottom Line
The hCG hormone plays an important role in your pregnancy, and the changing levels of this hormone are just one of many transformations your body will experience as your baby develops. Although hormonal changes can make you feel a little off from time to time during your pregnancy, try to take these as reassurance that your baby is growing, and you’re getting closer and closer to the day you finally get to meet them. In the meantime, prepare for your baby’s arrival and get rewards on all your diapers and wipes purchases with the Pampers Club app! Ready to share your pregnancy news with friends and family? Get creative pregnancy announcement ideas in the video below!
HCG norms by weeks of pregnancy
HCG norms by weeks of pregnancy - Private maternity hospital Ekaterininskaya Clinics
Content
- Table of average hCG norms
- Table of average hCG norms for carrying twins
- Table of average hCG values after IVF with engrafted twins
- Guidelines for free β-hCG subunit
- Norm РАРР-А
- What if I am at high risk? nine0008
- How to confirm or deny the results of screening?
- The doctor says I need an abortion. What to do?
One of the main tests during pregnancy is the study of the level of pregnancy hormone - hCG or human chorionic gonadotropin. If future mothers want to know if the hormone level is normal, we made a summary table of values
Table of average hCG norms:
Gestation period | nine0031 HCG in honey/mlHCG in mIU/ml | HCG in ng/ml | |
1-2 weeks | 25-156 | 5-25 (doubtful result) | - |
2-3 weeks | 101-4870 | 5-25 (doubtful result) | - |
3-4 weeks | 1100 – 31500 | 25-156 | - |
4-5 weeks | 2560 – 82300 | nine0031 101-4870- | |
5-6 weeks | 23100 – 151000 | 1110 -31500 | - |
6-7 weeks | 27300 – 233000 | 2560 -82300 | - |
7-11 weeks | 20900 – 291000 | 23100 -233000 | 23. 7 - 130.4 |
11-16 weeks | 6140 – 103000 | 20900 -103000 | 17.4 - 50.0 | nine0039
Weeks 16-21 | 4720 – 80100 | 6140 – 80100 | 4.67 - 33.3 |
21-39 weeks | 2700 – 78100 | 2700 -78100 | - |
Table of average hCG norms for carrying twins:
Gestation period, weeks | Average range of hCG concentration (mU/ml) |
1-2 weeks | 50 - 112 |
2-3 weeks | 209 – 9740 |
3-4 weeks | 2220 – 63000 |
4-5 weeks | 5122 – 164600 |
5-6 weeks | 46200 – 302000 |
6-7 weeks | 54610 – 466000 |
7-11 weeks | 41810 – 582000 |
11-16 weeks | 12280 – 206000 |
16-21 weeks | 9440 – 160210 |
21-39 weeks | 5400 – 156200 |
Table of average values of hCG after IVF with accustomed twins:
Gestational age, weeks | HCG range, mU/ml |
1-2 weeks | 50 – 600 |
2-3 weeks | 3000 – 10000 |
3-4 weeks | 20000 – 60000 |
4-5 weeks | 40000 – 200000 |
5-6 weeks | 100000 – 400000 |
6-7 weeks | 100000 – 400000 |
7-11 weeks | 40000 – 200000 |
11-16 weeks | 40000 – 120000 |
16-21 weeks | 20000 – 70000 |
21-39 weeks | 20000 – 120000 |
Free hCG β-subunit limits
Free hCG β-subunit measurement is more accurate in determining the risk of Down syndrome in an unborn child than measuring total hCG.
Norms for free β-hCG subunit in the first trimester:
Gestational period, weeks | HCG in ng/ml |
---|---|
9 weeks | 23.6 - 193.1 ng/mL or 0.5 - 2 MoM |
10 weeks | 25.8 - 181.6 ng/mL or 0.5 - 2 MoM |
11 weeks | 17.4 - 130.4 ng/mL or 0.5 - 2 MoM |
12 weeks | 13.4 - 128.5 ng/mL or 0.5 - 2 MoM |
13 weeks | 14.2 - 114.7 ng/mL or 0.5 - 2 MoM |
Norms in ng / ml may vary in different laboratories, therefore the data indicated is not final, and in any case you should consult your doctor. If the result is indicated in MoM, then the norms are the same for all laboratories and for all analyzes: from 0.5 to 2 MoM. nine0349If hCG is not normal, then:
- If the free β-hCG subunit is higher than normal for your gestational age, or more than 2 MoM, then the child has an increased risk of Down syndrome.
- If the free hCG β-subunit is below normal for your gestational age, or is less than 0.5 MoM, then the baby is at increased risk of Edwards syndrome.
PAPP-A norm
PAPP-A, or "pregnancy-associated plasma protein A" as it is called, is the second indicator used in biochemical screening of the first trimester. The level of this protein constantly increases during pregnancy, and deviations in the indicator may indicate various diseases in the unborn child. nine0003
Norm for PAPP-A depending on the duration of pregnancy:
Gestational period, weeks HCG in ng/ml 8-9 weeks 0.17 - 1.54 mU/ml, or 0.5 to 2 MoM 9-10 weeks 0.32 - 2.42 mU/ml or 0.5 to 2 MoM 10-11 weeks 0.46 - 3.73 mU/ml, or 0.5 to 2 MoM 11-12 weeks 0.79– 4.76 mU/ml, or 0.5 to 2 MoM 12-13 weeks 1. 03 - 6.01 mU/ml, or 0.5 to 2 MoM 13-14 weeks 1.47 - 8.54 mU/ml, or 0.5 to 2 MoM
Norms in ng / ml may vary in different laboratories, therefore the data indicated is not final, and in any case you should consult your doctor. If the result is indicated in MoM, then the norms are the same for all laboratories and for all analyzes: from 0.5 to 2 MoM. nine0349If PAPP-A is abnormal:
- If PAPP-A is lower for your gestational age, or less than 0.5 MoM, your baby is at increased risk of Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome.
- If PAPP-A is higher than normal for your gestational age, or more than 2 MoM, but other screening values are normal, then there is no cause for concern.
Studies have shown that women with elevated PAPP-A levels during pregnancy are not at greater risk of fetal disease or pregnancy complications than other women with normal PAPP-A. nine0003
What if I am at high risk?
If your screening reveals an increased risk of having a baby with Down syndrome, then this is not a reason to terminate the pregnancy. You will be referred for a consultation with a geneticist who, if necessary, will recommend examinations: chorionic villus biopsy or amniocentesis
How to confirm or refute the screening results?
If you think that the screening was not done correctly, then you should be re-examined at another clinic, but for this you need to retake all the tests and undergo an ultrasound. This method is possible only if the gestational age at the time of the examination does not exceed 13 weeks and 6 days. nine0003
The doctor says I need an abortion. What to do?
Unfortunately, there are times when a doctor strongly recommends or even forces an abortion based on the screening results. Remember: no doctor has the right to such actions. Screening is not a definitive method for diagnosing Down syndrome and, based on poor results alone, a pregnancy should not be terminated.
Say that you want to consult a geneticist and undergo diagnostic procedures for Down syndrome (or other disease): chorionic villus biopsy (if you are 10-13 weeks pregnant) or amniocentesis (if you are 16-17 weeks pregnant). nine0003
The author of the article:
Ananyina Anna Alexandrovna
Obstetrician-gynecologist
Work experience since 2010
Sign upEat more foods rich in iron: beef tongue, liver, buckwheat and oatmeal, prunes, dried apricots, green apples, etc. But diet alone will not work to raise hemoglobin. nine0455 Medical therapy with iron supplements is required. If the problem is associated with insufficient intake of iron into the body, one set of drugs is needed, if with absorption, another. The doctor must select drugs.
Injection therapy may be required for more severe anemia.If there are no contraindications, natural childbirth is possible. Only an obstetrician-gynecologist should decide on the possibility of EP.
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With an increase in the duration of pregnancy and the growth of the baby, the uterus increases - this can lead to increased tone. Sometimes tension arises in response to the movements of the child. Strong physical exertion, stress, overwork of a pregnant woman can also lead to increased tone. nine0455 In early pregnancy, uterine tone may be associated primarily with reduced progesterone production. In this case, the doctor prescribes the patient treatment with progesterone preparations.
Symptoms of increased tone
All pregnant women experience tone differently. Someone - like heaviness and tension in the lower abdomen. Others - as a pulling pain in the lumbar region. In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, a woman can feel the tone by putting her hand on her stomach: the uterus becomes "stone", then relaxes. nine0003Obstetrician-gynecologist
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Beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta hCG)
Beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin is one of the subunits of a specific hormone molecule - human chorionic gonadotropin, which is formed in the shell of the human embryo. The analysis is carried out for the purpose of early diagnosis of pregnancy, detection of its complications and diagnosis of diseases associated with impaired hCG secretion.
Synonyms Russian
Beta subunit of hCG.
Synonyms English
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, hCG, b-HCG, Quantitative hCG; Beta hCG, Total hCG, Total beta hCG. nine0003
Test method
Electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA).
Detection range: 0.1 - 1,000,000 IU/l.
Units
IU/l (international unit per litre).
What biomaterial can be used for research?
Venous blood.
How to properly prepare for an examination?
- Do not smoke for 30 minutes before the test. nine0008
General information about the study
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced in the fetal membrane of the human embryo. It is an important indicator of the development of pregnancy and its deviations. It is produced by the cells of the chorion (the shell of the embryo) immediately after it is attached to the wall of the uterus (this happens only a few days after fertilization). The embryo at this stage of pregnancy is a microscopic vesicle filled with fluid, the walls of which are made up of rapidly multiplying cells. From one part of these cells, the unborn child (embryoblast) develops, while from the cells outside the embryo, a trophoblast is formed - that part of the fetal egg, with which it is attached to the wall of the uterus. Later, the chorion is formed from the trophoblast. nine0003
Chorion performs the function of nourishing the embryo, being an intermediary between the body of the mother and the child. In addition, it produces chorionic gonadotropin, which, on the one hand, affects the formation of the child, on the other hand, it specifically affects the mother's body, ensuring a successful pregnancy. The appearance of this hormone in the body of a future mother at the initial stage of pregnancy explains the importance of the test for early diagnosis of pregnancy.
Chorionic gonadotropin stimulates the secretory function of the corpus luteum of the ovaries, which should produce the hormone progesterone, which maintains the normal state of the inner lining of the uterine wall - the endometrium. The endometrium provides reliable attachment of the fetal egg to the mother's body and its nutrition with all the necessary substances. nine0003
Due to a sufficient amount of human chorionic gonadotropin, the corpus luteum, which normally exists for only about 2 weeks during each menstrual cycle, does not undergo resorption after successful conception and remains functionally active throughout the entire period of pregnancy. Moreover, it is in pregnant women under the influence of chorionic gonadotropin that it produces very large amounts of progesterone. In addition, CG stimulates the production of estrogens and weak androgens by ovarian cells and promotes the development of the functional activity of the chorion itself, and later the placenta, which is formed as a result of the maturation and growth of the chorionic tissue, improving its own nutrition and increasing the number of chorionic villi. nine0003
Thus, the role of human chorionic gonadotropin lies in the specific and multifaceted effect on the body of a woman and the fetus in order to ensure a successful pregnancy. Based on the analysis for chorionic gonadotropin, the presence of chorionic tissue in the woman's body is determined, and hence pregnancy.
According to its chemical structure, chorionic gonadotropin is a combination of protein and complex carbohydrates, consisting of two parts (subunits): alpha and beta. The alpha subunit of chorionic gonadotropin is completely identical to the alpha subunits of the luteinizing, follicle-stimulating and thyroid-stimulating hormones of the pituitary gland, which perform functions that are largely similar to the function of chorionic gonadotropin, but not during pregnancy. The beta subunit of chorionic gonadotropin is unique, which, on the one hand, determines the specificity of its action, and, on the other hand, allows it to be identified in biological media. In this regard, this test is called "beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG)". nine0003
Knowing the level of beta-hCG in the blood, it is possible to diagnose pregnancy already on the 6-8th day after conception (in the urine, the concentration of beta-hCG reaches the diagnostic level 1-2 days later). Normally, during pregnancy between the 2nd and 5th weeks, the amount of beta-hCG doubles every 1.5 days. With multiple pregnancy, it increases in proportion to the number of fetuses. The maximum level of hCG reaches the 10-11th week, and then gradually decreases. This is due to the fact that from the beginning of the 2nd third of pregnancy, the placenta is able to independently produce enough estrogens and progesterone, with the participation of which the endometrium functions normally, regardless of the secretion of hormones in the ovarian corpus luteum. At the same time, the concentration of CG in the blood of a pregnant woman gradually decreases, and the corpus luteum can function without the effects of CG. During this period, the role of the hormone is to stimulate the production of testosterone in the fetus, which is necessary for the normal development of the external genital organs of the embryo. nine0003
Thus, during pregnancy, the level of beta-hCG in the blood first increases and then decreases. According to this indicator, one can judge the successful course of pregnancy and identify violations of the development of the fetus. The test for hCG in the blood is the most reliable method for determining pregnancy in the early stages. HCG appears in the body of a woman from 6-8 days after fertilization. A common rapid pregnancy test that every woman can use at home is also based on measuring hCG in the urine. nine0003
Below normal hormone levels at various stages of fetal development suggest ectopic pregnancy, fetal growth retardation, threatened miscarriage, non-progressive pregnancy, or placental insufficiency. The reason for the increased content of beta-hCG may be toxicosis, diabetes mellitus, or an incorrectly set gestational age. A high level of the hormone after a mini-abortion indicates a progressing pregnancy.
Determining the level of hCG is included in the triple test study, the results of which can be used to judge some anomalies in the development of the fetus, but an accurate diagnosis cannot be made. The study only allows you to classify a woman as a risk group for this pathology. In this case, further investigation is necessary. In non-pregnant women, CG is normally absent, but it can be secreted by some abnormal chorion-derived tissues (hydatidiform mole, chorionepithelioma) and some other tumors. nine0003
What is research used for?
- For the diagnosis of pregnancy, including multiple, ectopic and non-developing.
- To monitor the progress of pregnancy.
- To detect fetal growth retardation, threatened miscarriage, placental insufficiency.
- For the diagnosis of amenorrhea.
- To monitor the effectiveness of induced abortion.
- As part of a comprehensive examination to identify fetal malformations. nine0008
- For the diagnosis of CG-producing tumors.
When is the test scheduled?
- If pregnancy is suspected, in particular multiple pregnancy.
- When monitoring the progress of pregnancy.
- When there is an assumption about a complication during pregnancy: fetal growth retardation, the threat of spontaneous abortion, non-developing or ectopic pregnancy, chronic placental insufficiency.
nine0007 If necessary, confirm successful induced abortion.- In a comprehensive examination to identify fetal malformations.
- When finding out the reason for the absence of menstruation (amenorrhea).
- When is the diagnosis of tumors producing hCG.
What do the results mean?
Reference values
nine0031 Floor
Week of pregnancy (from conception)
Reference values
Female
Not pregnant
Less than 5 IU/L
3 weeks
5. 8 - 71.2 IU/L
4 weeks
9.5 - 750 IU/L
5 weeks
217 - 7138 IU/L
6 weeks
158 - 31795 IU/l
7 weeks
3697 - 163563 IU/L
8 weeks
32065 - 149571 IU/l
9 weeks
63803 - 151410 IU/L
nine0031 10 weeks
46509 - 186977 IU/l
11-12 weeks
27832 - 210612 IU/L
13-14 weeks
13950 - 62530 IU/L
15 weeks
12039 - 70971 IU/L
16 weeks
9040 - 56451 IU/L
17 weeks
8175 - 55868 IU/L
18 weeks
8099 - 58176 IU/L
Male
Less than 5 IU/L
nine0032Causes of high beta-hCG levels
In the absence of pregnancy, the result of the beta-hCG test should be negative. The detection of beta-hCG suggests that at least 5-6 days have passed since fertilization. Between the 2nd and 5th weeks of pregnancy, during its normal course, the level of beta-hCG doubles every 1.5 days and soon reaches its maximum. Then it starts to slowly decline. The results of the analysis are compared with the normal values for each gestational age. For a correct interpretation of the results, it is necessary to know exactly when the conception occurred. nine0003
In pregnant women:
- multiple pregnancy (increasing in proportion to the number of fetuses),
- toxicosis,
- prolonged pregnancy,
- maternal diabetes,
- fetal malformations,
- taking synthetic hormones.
Not pregnant:
- hCG-producing tumors,
- surgical abortion (first 4-5 days after the procedure),
- taking hCG preparations.
Causes of low beta-hCG levels (during pregnancy):
- ectopic or non-developing pregnancy,
- fetal growth retardation,
- threatened miscarriage,
- chronic placental insufficiency,
- fetal death (in the 2nd-3rd trimester of pregnancy).
What can influence the result?
- When diagnosing pregnancy, taking the test too early - when less than 5 days have passed since conception - can lead to a false negative result. nine0008
Also recommended
- Alpha-fetoprotein (alpha-FP)
- Antiphospholipid antibodies IgG
- Antiphospholipid antibodies IgM
- Placental lactogen
- Free estriol
- Pregnancy - Prenatal screening for trisomies of the first trimester of pregnancy (Down syndrome), PRISCA
- Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A)
- Pregnancy - Prenatal screening for trisomies of the second trimester of pregnancy, PRISCA
- Antibodies to steroid-producing cells of the placenta
Who orders the examination?
General practitioner, obstetrician-gynecologist, oncologist.
Literature
- Handbook of Clinical Laboratory Testing During Pregnancy edited by Ann M. Gronowski. Springer-Verlag LLC, New York, 2004
- Prenatal Diagnosis in Obstetric Practice. M. J. J. Whittle, Blackwell Publishers 1995
nine0007 Endocrinology of Pregnancy. Fuller W. Bazer, Humana Press 1998- Blood Biochemistry. N J Russell, G M Powell, J G Jones, P J, Winterburn and J M Basford, Croom Helm, London and Canberra, 1982
- Blood Chemistry and CBC analysis-Clinical Laboratory Testing from a Functional Perspective. Rychard Weatherby N.D and Scott Fergusson, N.D., Bear Mounting Publishing, 2002.
- Tietz Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests. Alan H. B. Wu, Saunders/Elsevier, 2006
- Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. Joyce LeFever Kee - Pearson, Prentice Hall, 8th edition 2010
- District Laboratory Practice in Tropical Countries. Monica Cheesbrough, Cambridge University Press, second edition, 2005.
- Clinical Chemistry. A Laboratory Perspective. Wendy L. Arneson, Jean M. Brickell, F.A. Davis Company, 2007
- Clinical Chemistry.