What is hCG?
Hcg, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone produced during pregnancy. It is also referred to as the pregnancy hormone. Hcg levels can be detected in a woman’s blood as early as seven days after fertilization. Hcg levels continue to rise throughout pregnancy, peaking around eight to ten weeks. Hcg levels then decline and stabilize for the remainder of the pregnancy. Hcg can also be detected in a woman’s urine, and home pregnancy tests are designed to detect Hcg levels in urine. Hcg levels can also be measured through a blood test, which is typically done by a doctor. Hcg levels are used to confirm pregnancy and to help monitor the health of the pregnancy.
When hCG Will Give a Positive Pregnancy Test
HcG levels will begin to rise shortly after implantation and will continue to increase throughout the first trimester. This means that HcG can be detected in a urine sample as early as 10 days after conception. However, it is important to note that HcG levels can vary greatly from one woman to another. As a result, some women may get a positive result as early as 8 DPO (days past ovulation), while some do not get a positive pregnancy test until well after their first missed period. Taking a pregnancy test prior to 8 DPO could result in a false negative.
Also read: Earliest signs and symptoms of pregnancy
hCG Levels from Blood Test
Hcg levels can be detected in blood work and this test is generally done to confirm pregnancy. Hcg levels fluctuate throughout the course of pregnancy, so repeated testing may be necessary to get an accurate result. hCG levels should double every 72 hours. Hcg levels can also be affected by factors like stress and illness, so it is important to talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your results. Below is a chart that shows the hCG levels by weeks since last menstrual cycle.
Also read: The “No More Nausea Smoothie”: essential for expectant mothers in the first trimester!
Do High hCG levels indicate twins?
Unfortunately, an hCG test alone is not able to definitely determine if you are expecting multiples. A woman may have an hCG rating of 56,000 mIU/ml at 6 weeks pregnant and be expecting just one baby while a woman expecting twins may have 5,000 mIU/ml. An ultrasound is the best way to determine if you are expecting multiples.
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