For a woman, motherhood is not only nine months of anxious anticipation and the joy of a long-awaited meeting with the baby. For an expectant mother, the entire period of pregnancy is a heavy burden on the body. Many functions and some organs undergo changes. The psycho-emotional background of the expectant mother is also not stable.
As a rule, a gynecologist who monitors the course of a woman’s pregnancy periodically prescribes tests for her. This is done in order to adequately assess whether everything is normal. Among the numerous laboratory tests, there is one test called hCG. It is very informative. For the expectant mother and for the gynecologist at the beginning of pregnancy, the hCG level is a key indicator of the presence of fertilization, and it can also be used to quite accurately determine the date of the expected birth.
What is hCG?
First, you need to say how this mysterious abbreviation stands for. HCG is human choriotic gonadotropin.
This is a hormone that is produced by the cells of the embryonic germinal membrane after the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining.
There are two substances of this hormone: alpha-hCG and beta-hCG. The first of the substances is very similar to other human hormones. Beta-hCG is unique in nature and is released only during pregnancy. This hormone allows a woman to preserve the fetus for the most early stages. In this period the immune system does everything possible to remove the foreign body. This is how a woman’s body’s defenses perceive the unborn baby. It is human chorionic gonadotropin that suppresses the immune response and maintains pregnancy. When determining the content of beta-hCG, a blood test will be more informative, since all pharmacy rapid tests react to both fractions of the hormone.
There are certain statistics about the onset of production of this hormone. In the vast majority of cases, the formation of hCG in the body of a pregnant woman begins 7-10 days after fertilization. The concentration of this hormone reaches its peak levels at 11-12 weeks. After this period, the hCG level begins to gradually decrease and stabilizes by mid-pregnancy. Further, its concentration remains stable and decreases slightly immediately at the time of birth.
How is hCG content determined?
Determination of the presence of hCG and its concentration can be carried out in the blood or urine of a pregnant woman. It is these biological fluids that are subject to laboratory testing.
There is some evidence that the release of this hormone into the blood occurs faster by several weeks. By taking this test, you will be able to find out about the fact and duration of pregnancy earlier.
In order to determine the level of hCG in urine, it is not at all necessary to contact a laboratory. The pharmacy sells a variety of pregnancy tests. These modern miniature devices can not only confirm the fact of fertilization, but also provide information about the concentration of hCG in a woman’s urine. Every representative of the fair sex knows perfectly well what two stripes on such a test indicate. The objectivity of this verification method, according to its manufacturer, is 98-99%. However, in order to make sure exactly what the level of hCG is, a woman should entrust a laboratory analysis.
When is the best time to donate blood for hCG?
It is known that the concentration of human choriotic gonadotropin begins to increase already in the first days after fertilization of the egg. According to statistics, in 5% of women the level of hCG increases already on the 8th day after conception.
In the vast majority of pregnant women, the concentration of this hormone begins to increase by the 11th day from the moment of fertilization of the egg. If a woman does not know the exact date of conception, then she should donate blood for an hCG test 3-4 weeks after the start of her last menstruation. Wherein future mom usually detects a delay of several days.
Quite often, gynecologists recommend that a woman be tested for choriotic gonadotropin twice with a time interval of a couple of days. If a repeat analysis shows an increased level of hCG relative to the first result, the doctor will note the dynamics of growth and confirm the presence of pregnancy.
Usually within a few days the concentration of gonadotropin increases by 1.5-2 times. If the opposite picture is observed, that is, the level of the hormone is stably low or has decreased, then fertilization of the egg has not occurred.
When taking an analysis, it is very important to find out the standards adopted in this particular laboratory. The fact is that these indicators may differ in different institutions.
How to prepare for the hCG test?
There is no need for any special preparation. If a woman is taking a drug containing hormones, she must inform the doctor and laboratory assistant about this. Some medications, especially with progesterones, can affect the results of the study. It is best to take a blood test in the morning on an empty stomach.
What is the normal hCG level for a non-pregnant woman?
Often women undergo this test, regardless of whether they are pregnant or not. Sometimes a gynecologist recommends checking your hCG level if you suspect certain diseases, such as fibroids or ovarian cancer. The concentration of this hormone, along with other examination methods, can directly indicate the presence of the disease.
Normally, the hCG level in a non-pregnant woman should be 0-5 mU/ml. In women during menopause, due to changes in the body, the content of this hormone reaches 9.5 mIU/ml. If the analysis reveals high level hCG, this may be caused by the following reasons:
- A reaction to substances in a woman’s blood similar to hCG.
- This hormone is produced by the patient's pituitary gland.
- A woman is taking medications containing hCG.
- The hormone is produced by a tumor of an organ.
In cases where hCG is elevated and pregnancy is not detected, the patient undergoes a full diagnosis and receives appropriate treatment.
HCG levels during pregnancy
As mentioned earlier, after implantation of the fertilized egg has occurred, the chorion begins to produce hCG. This is how the embryo tries to survive in this still hostile world.
A woman's hormonal background begins to change. The hCG level begins to rise quite quickly in the days following conception. But immediately after conception it is not advisable to run to the laboratory for tests. During this period, as a rule, the result will not show an increase in hCG concentration. In order for laboratory diagnostics to detect pregnancy, at least 7-8 days must pass from the moment of fertilization. But gynecologists do not recommend forcing things and performing an analysis after a delay in menstruation.
- A result of up to 5 mU/ml is accepted in international medical practice as negative.
- An indicator of 5-25 mU/ml is considered doubtful; after a few days it is necessary to take a second test to monitor the dynamics.
- A deviation from the norm is considered to be a difference of more than 20%. If the result differs from the standard indicators for this period by 50% or more, then we're talking about about a pathological phenomenon. If the deviation from the norm is 20%, then the patient is sent for a repeat test. If it showed an increase in the indicator of difference from the standards, then they talk about the development of pathology. If a deviation of 20% was confirmed, or a lower result was obtained, then this is considered a variant of the norm.
One-time laboratory test Choriotic gonadotropin levels are very rarely practiced. This may only be relevant at the beginning of pregnancy. Basically, a series of periodic tests are prescribed at a certain time interval. In this way, the dynamics of changes in the level of hCG are observed and pathological conditions are identified, such as the threat of interruption, fetoplacental insufficiency and others.
How does hCG change by day of pregnancy?
In order to assess how the hCG level changes by day of pregnancy, you need to carefully consider the table provided below.
| Age of the embryo by days after conception | HCG level, honey/ml | ||
| Average | Minimum | Maximum | |
| 7 | 4 | 2 | 10 |
| 8 | 7 | 3 | 18 |
| 9 | 11 | 5 | 21 |
| 10 | 18 | 8 | 26 |
| 11 | 28 | 11 | 45 |
| 12 | 45 | 17 | 65 |
| 13 | 73 | 22 | 105 |
| 14 | 105 | 29 | 170 |
| 15 | 160 | 39 | 240 |
| 16 | 260 | 68 | 400 |
| 17 | 410 | 120 | 580 |
| 18 | 650 | 220 | 840 |
| 19 | 980 | 370 | 1300 |
| 20 | 1380 | 520 | 2000 |
| 21 | 1960 | 750 | 3100 |
| 22 | 2680 | 1050 | 4900 |
| 23 | 3550 | 1400 | 6200 |
| 24 | 4650 | 1830 | 7800 |
| 25 | 6150 | 2400 | 9800 |
| 26 | 8160 | 4200 | 15 600 |
| 27 | 10 200 | 5400 | 19 500 |
| 28 | 11 300 | 7100 | 27 300 |
| 29 | 13 600 | 8800 | 33 000 |
| 30 | 16 500 | 10 500 | 40 000 |
| 31 | 19 500 | 11 500 | 60 000 |
| 32 | 22 600 | 12 800 | 63 000 |
| 33 | 24 000 | 14 000 | 38 000 |
| 34 | 27 200 | 15 500 | 70 000 |
| 35 | 31 000 | 17 000 | 74 000 |
| 36 | 36 000 | 19 000 | 78 000 |
| 37 | 39 500 | 20 500 | 83 000 |
| 38 | 45 000 | 22 000 | 87 000 |
| 39 | 51 000 | 23 000 | 93 000 |
| 40 | 58 000 | 58 000 | 108 000 |
| 41 | 62 000 | 62 000 | 117 000 |
From this table we can conclude that the hCG level by day of pregnancy changes quite dynamically in the first weeks after ovulation, then the rate decreases slightly and the level reaches stable levels.
At first, it takes 2 days for gonadotropin levels to double. Further, from the 5th-6th period, it takes 3 days for the concentration of hCG to double. At 7-8 weeks this figure is 4 days.
When pregnancy reaches a period of 9-10 seven-day periods, the hCG level reaches peak values. By the 16th week, this factor is close to the concentration of the hormone in the 6-7 period. Thus, the level of hCG in the early stages changes quite dynamically.
After the 20th week of pregnancy, the concentration of hCG does not change so dramatically. Once every 10 seven-day calendar periods, the hormone level increases by approximately 10%. Only on the eve of birth does the hCG level increase slightly.
Experts explain this uneven growth of human chorionic gonadotropin to the physiological characteristics of a pregnant woman. The initial increase in hCG levels is due to the intensive development of the size of the fetus, placenta and hormonal changes in the body of the expectant mother. During this period, the chorion produces a large number of gonadotropin to prepare a place for the baby and ensure optimal conditions for its development. After the 10th week, the placenta changes significantly. From this moment on, her hormonal function fades away. The placenta is transformed into the main organ of nutrition and respiration in the mother-fetus system. It is thanks to this important element the baby receives all the substances necessary for growth and development, as well as vital oxygen. Therefore, during this period there is a decline in the dynamics of hCG concentration.
What are the hCG levels by week?
It is very convenient to see how hCG levels change during pregnancy week by week. At the 3-4th seven-day period it is 25-156 mU/ml. Already at 4-5 weeks, the concentration of the hormone increases: 101-4870 mU/ml. By the 5th-6th period, the hCG content becomes equal to 1110-31,500 mU/ml. At 6-7 weeks, the hormone concentration changes to 2560-82,300 mU/ml. The hCG level after the 7th seven-day period rises to 23,100-151,000 mU/ml. In the 8th-9th period, the hormone content falls within the range of 27,300 - 233,000 mU/ml. For a period of 9-13 weeks, indicators of 20,900-291,000 mU/ml are considered normal. By period 13-18, the hCG level decreases to 6140-103,000 mU/ml. From the 18th to the 23rd week, the hormone concentration remains at the level of 4720-80 100 mU/ml. Further, the hCG content decreases slightly. From the 23rd to the 41st week it remains at the level of 2700-78,100 mU/ml.
How to compare laboratory data with standards?
Having received laboratory test data, expectant mothers rush to find out whether they correspond to the norm. When comparing your results with the above indicators, you should take into account one very important circumstance. The text indicates obstetric weeks, which doctors count from the date of the start of the last menstruation.
The level of hCG during pregnancy at 2 weeks is equal to that of a woman in normal physical condition. Conception occurs only towards the end of the second or the beginning of the third seven-day calendar period.
It is necessary to remember the fact that when comparing obstetric and embryonic stages of pregnancy, the first lags behind the second by two weeks.
If the analysis results in a result slightly higher than 5 mU/ml, the gynecologist will send you for a repeat test in a few days. Until the hCG level (from conception) reaches 25 mU/ml, it is considered doubtful and requires confirmation. Remember that you should always compare the results of a study with the standards of the laboratory where they were carried out. Only a doctor can make a comparison in the most accurate way.
If the result is below normal
If the concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin obtained as a result of the analysis does not meet the standard and the deviation is more than 20%, then this is a very alarming sign. First, the doctor prescribes a repeat test. If the low level of hCG is confirmed, then this may be a consequence of the following conditions:
- Incorrectly calculated gestational age.
- Regressive pregnancy (frozen pregnancy or fetal death).
- Ectopic pregnancy.
- Delayed embryo development.
- Threat of spontaneous miscarriage.
- Post-term pregnancy (over 40 weeks).
- Chronic placental insufficiency.
To make a more accurate diagnosis, the patient undergoes a mandatory ultrasound examination.
The level of hCG during an ectopic pregnancy is initially slightly below normal, and then the dynamics drop sharply. But tubal or ovarian attachment of the embryo can only be determined with greater accuracy by ultrasound. It is very important to identify in a timely manner ectopic pregnancy, since this condition directly threatens the health and life of a woman. Modern methods eliminating this condition allows you to completely preserve reproductive function. Laparoscopic operations are seamless and as gentle as possible. The rehabilitation period with this method of treatment is minimal.
During a frozen pregnancy, the fetus dies, but for some reason it is not excreted from the body. The hCG level initially remains at a certain level, then begins to decrease. In this case, the doctor observes thickening of the uterus, since spontaneous abortion does not occur.
Regressive pregnancy can occur both in the early stages and in a later period. The reasons may be varied, but no clear dependence of this condition on specific factors has been identified.
If the indicator is higher than normal
Most often, an elevated hCG level during a generally normal pregnancy is not a dangerous sign. It is often a companion to multiple births or severe toxicosis.
However, if other tests also differ significantly from the norm, then an elevated hCG level may indicate gestosis or diabetes. This factor is also observed in women taking hormonal medications.
In addition, an upward difference in the concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin in combination with reduced estriol and ACE (triple extensive test) may indicate the risk of having a child with Down syndrome.
A pregnant woman undergoes two screenings. The first of them is carried out from 11 to 14 weeks after conception. The level of hCG in the mother's blood is measured and if it is elevated, then we are talking about chromosomal mutations. Based on the data obtained, the doctor calculates the likelihood of having a child with Down syndrome or other chromosomal diseases. Typically, children with trisomy have elevated hCG levels. To confirm the blood test, an ultrasound is performed, and then repeated screening at 16-17 weeks. Sometimes it happens that an elevated level of hCG is detected in a completely healthy baby. Then the amniotic fluid is analyzed for high accuracy of the result.
The 5th obstetric week of pregnancy has begun: this means that your last period was five weeks ago, and the conception of the child occurred approximately 3 weeks ago.
What happens in the 5th obstetric week? It's hard to believe, but tiny embryo heart will begin to beat in the coming days. Your unborn child now consists of millions of cells that diligently divide, turning into individual tissues and organs.
Undergoing active development nervous system embryo: The future brain and spinal cord, as well as nerve endings, continue to form. The rudiments of future eyes and ears appear on its head.
A human embryo at an early stage of development is very similar in appearance to a fish embryo. So, for example, at 5-6 weeks the embryo can see formations similar to gills. These are the gill arches from which the jaws and other components of the future face will develop over the coming weeks.
Fetal size at 5 weeks of gestation still very small: only about 2 mm. If you could see your unborn child now, you would hardly recognize him as a human being. An embryo at 5 weeks of pregnancy looks more like a tadpole than the plump little toddler it will become after 9 months.
Basal temperature at 5 weeks of pregnancy
If pregnancy proceeds normally and progesterone levels are maintained at the proper level, then basal temperature during pregnancy 5 weeks remains elevated: usually 37.7C and above. Don't worry if your measurements show lower values: every woman's body is unique and small deviations from the norm usually do not indicate a threat.
Pregnancy test at 5 weeks
If last week it could still be negative, now it should definitely show 2 stripes. Save your first positive test as a keepsake.
Blood test for hCG at 5 weeks of pregnancy
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) continues to rise. At the 5th week of pregnancy, its level can vary from 25 to 7.340 mIU/ml. If pregnancy is progressing normally, it should double every 3-3.5 days.
Ultrasound at 5 weeks of pregnancy
Doctors do not recommend doing this Ultrasound at 5 weeks of pregnancy, since the period is still too short for the study to be sufficiently informative. If you are one of those impatient expectant mothers who have already made an appointment for an ultrasound at 5 weeks, then you can find out the following news:
- Where is the fertilized egg located? Fine fertilized egg at 5 weeks pregnancy is located in the uterine cavity. If the doctor discovers a fertilized egg outside the uterus (in the fallopian tube or elsewhere), then they talk about.
- If you have twins, then already at the 5th week of pregnancy an ultrasound will most likely be able to show this.
- Dimensions ovum: Using this indicator, the doctor specifies the gestational age. Dimensions of the fertilized egg at 5 weeks can vary from 6 mm to 18 mm.
- Is there a heartbeat? Normally, the embryo's heart begins to beat at 5 weeks of pregnancy, but not all ultrasound machines are able to record cardiac activity at this stage. Vaginal ultrasound is more sensitive in this case and more often detects heartbeats at 5 weeks. Don't be upset if Ultrasound at 5 weeks showed no heartbeat- this does not yet speak about . You will need to undergo an ultrasound again in 1-2 weeks.
How you feel at 5 weeks pregnant
At this time, the first may appear pregnancy symptoms: malaise, drowsiness, increased fatigue. In some pregnant women, body temperature can rise to 37C. This is normal and there is no need to lower the temperature.
Signs of pregnancy at 5 weeks are still not very noticeable, and the main symptom still remains.
Despite the fact that for most women, symptoms of toxicosis do not appear until 6-7 weeks of pregnancy, you may already feel some changes: mild nausea in the morning, nausea from the smell or sight of a certain food. This is even more likely if you are expecting twins.
The uterus has already begun to grow. It has not yet reached such a large size that it becomes noticeable to others, so belly at 5 weeks pregnant still remains flat or slightly rounded due to bloating.
The enlarged uterus begins to put pressure on bladder– so now you can notice more frequent urge to urination.
A pregnant woman at 5 weeks may notice the following symptoms: abdominal and lower back pain, spotting, chest pain. As a rule, these symptoms are not dangerous and do not portend any complications.
Pulling in the stomach or lower back at 5 weeks pregnant? This is completely normal: your uterus has begun to grow, and the ligaments that support the uterus are stretching.
However, you need to see a doctor if:
- You have severe stomach pain (in the middle or on the side). Growing uterus and corpus luteum in the ovary can create discomfort and even painful sensations, That's why nagging abdominal pain at 5 weeks This is a very common complaint during pregnancy. Usually, these pains do not indicate any complications, but if the stomach hurts severely, then you should consult a doctor immediately.
- You have heavy bleeding. Spotting discharge at 5 weeks of pregnancy are observed quite often. The discharge may be brown or pink color. As a rule, such a daub is not dangerous either for the expectant mother or for her unborn child. However, if the spotting at 5 weeks is profuse and more reminiscent of menstruation, then you should consult a doctor immediately. There is a separate article on our website dedicated to this topic:.
At this stage, the pregnant woman begins to think about what is possible during pregnancy and what is not. List of restrictions at 5 weeks of pregnancy is small: you should (including avoiding second-hand smoke), and from excess coffee. During this period, it is also not recommended to take hot baths, visit a bathhouse or sauna.
Sex at 5 weeks pregnant not prohibited if you do not have any discharge or abdominal pain.
If you experience the first symptoms of toxicosis, try to spend less time in the kitchen. Different smells can increase nausea or even provoke vomiting.
Your companion's behavior may change noticeably, be prepared for this. You should not show your irritation if the expectant mother refuses to have dinner or demands a delicacy that is difficult to find in your city. Be patient and reasonable: if you are unable to get a particular product, offer your loved one an alternative. Often a pregnant woman is driven not by exquisite gastronomic fads, but by the desire to get as much attention as possible. Do not deny her this: the more attentive you become, the less demanding your companion will be.
The hCG calculator will help you decipher the results of a blood test for hCG in dynamics by day from the date of conception, embryo transfer (after IVF) or delay, determine the duration of pregnancy and assess the dynamics of growth in hormone levels.
HCG doubling period in singleton pregnancy
HCG begins to be produced already 6-10 days after fertilization of the egg. In the first weeks, your hCG levels should double approximately every 2 days. As the gestational age increases, the rate of its growth slows down - when the level reaches 1200 mU/ml, hCG doubles every 3-4 days (from 72 to 96 hours), and after 6000 mU/ml the doubling occurs on average every 4 days (96 hours).
PM - according to the date of the last menstruation.
DPO - days after ovulation.
The concentration of hCG reaches its maximum at 9-11 weeks of pregnancy, then the level of hCG begins to slowly decrease.
At multiple pregnancy the hCG content increases in proportion to the number of fetuses and, on average, hCG levels in pregnant women with twins (triplets) are usually higher than in other pregnant women at the same stage.
Laboratory standards and user results
HCG standards may vary in different laboratories. This is due to the use of various research techniques, reagents and other factors. Therefore, to correctly assess the dynamics of hormone growth, it is necessary to conduct research in one laboratory and evaluate the results relative to the standards of this laboratory. The hCG calculator allows you to evaluate your results relative to the standards of different laboratories:
The results of other users on the graph may also differ (depending on laboratory standards) and contain errors (for example, data was entered incorrectly).
(HCG) is a hormone produced by a woman’s body during pregnancy. HCG appears immediately after fertilization and allows you to determine pregnancy as early as 4-5 days. HCG is produced by the chorion and continues to grow until the 12-13th week of pregnancy - the maximum rate of the hormone at this moment is 90,000 mU/ml, after which the rate begins to decrease. For example, the hCG rate at week 19 already varies between 4720-80100 mU/ml. HCG norms by day and week allow you to monitor the development of pregnancy in the first trimester, identify possible pathologies and developmental abnormalities.
Determination of hCG
HCG levels are determined in several ways. Most accurate results gives a blood test that allows you to detect pregnancy even before a missed period. Studying hCG norms according to obstetric weeks, an experienced doctor will be able to accurately determine the duration of pregnancy and possible pathologies (the threat of miscarriage).
Less accurate data is provided by a urine test, although this is what all home pregnancy tests are based on. It is worth noting that while determining the hormone norm in a blood test for hCG makes it possible to monitor the progress of pregnancy, a urine test does not provide such accurate data.
Beta-hCG norms by week:
- 1-2 weeks – 25-156 mU/ml;
- 2-3 weeks – 101-4870 mU/ml;
- 3-4 weeks – 1110-31500 mU/ml;
- 4-5 weeks – 2560-82300 mU/ml;
- 5-6 weeks – 23100-151000 mU/ml;
- 6-7 weeks – 27300-233000 mU/ml;
- 7-11 weeks – 20900-291000 mU/ml;
- 11-16 weeks – 6140-103000 mU/ml;
- 16-21 weeks – 4720-80100 mU/ml;
- 21-39 weeks – 2700-78100 mU/ml.
All established hCG standards, whether analyzed at 4 weeks or 17-18 weeks, are relevant for the normal course of a singleton pregnancy. If there are two or more embryos, the hormone levels will be several times higher. For example, in a normal intrauterine pregnancy, the hCG rate at week 3 is on average 2000 mU/ml and continues to double every 1.5 days. Thus, by 5-6 weeks, a hCG level of about 50,000 mU/ml is considered normal.
It is worth noting that a low hCG level may indicate termination of pregnancy, that is, fetal death. Insufficient growth of the hormone also indicates an ectopic pregnancy and the threat of miscarriage. At a period of 15-16 weeks, the level of hCG, the norm of which should be in the range of 10,000-35,000 mU/ml, in combination with the results of other tests, is used to identify pathologies in fetal development.
