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The hCG test is familiar to most pregnant women, but many of them think that it is only necessary to establish the fact of pregnancy.

In fact, it allows not only to determine the presence and duration of pregnancy, but also to identify possible complications of its course.

The dynamics of this indicator are monitored with special attention in those women who have had unsuccessful pregnancies in the past.

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a special hormone that begins to be synthesized in the female body with the onset of pregnancy.

Women who are not expecting a child may also have this hormone in their blood, but in small quantities.

The normal value is 0-5 mU/ml, which does not suggest pregnancy.

The hCG hormone, or rather β-hCG, begins to be produced after implantation of the embryo into the uterine epithelium (7-10 days after fertilization of the egg). It is synthesized by the cells of the chorion - the fetal membranes of the embryo, which are subsequently transformed into the placenta.

The hormone is needed to ensure the normal functioning of the corpus luteum - a special gland that is located in the ovary and produces hormones that contribute to the normal course of pregnancy.

In the absence of pregnancy, estrogen cannot be produced in large quantities and is absorbed after some time.

In addition, hCG helps the female body to rebuild and adapt to stressed state caused by pregnancy.

(test strips) react to the presence of the hormone in the urine. This method is less accurate than a blood test because the concentration of hCG in the blood is twice as high as in the urine.

Sometimes a laboratory test can give a false negative result (there is a pregnancy, but the test does not confirm this). This may occur due to violation of blood donation rules, late ovulation or implantation of the fertilized egg. In these cases, a repeat blood donation is usually prescribed after a few days.

In order for the analysis results to be correct, several conditions must be met:

• the test can be taken 12-14 days after ovulation, otherwise it will be unreliable;
• Blood from a vein is donated in the morning on an empty stomach. If this is not possible, you can donate blood during the day. Before this, you need to abstain from food for several hours;
• the day before it is recommended to avoid fatty foods, stress and physical activity;
• if a woman has taken hCG drugs, she needs to report this to the laboratory.

These rules can be neglected if an emergency determination of hCG concentration is necessary (for example, if a pregnancy is suspected or not developing). Such cases are characterized by a sharp deviation of the value from normal level and the result will still be obvious.

Dynamics of hormone growth

A hCG concentration in the blood of less than 5 mU/ml indicates the absence of pregnancy, and above 25 mU/ml indicates that the woman will become a mother.

A result in the range of 5-25 mU/ml is considered questionable and requires re-analysis after a few days.

The rate of change in hCG depends on the stage of pregnancy. In the early stages of pregnancy, it grows rapidly, with its value doubling every 2 days.

After the hCG value reaches 1200 mU/ml, it takes 3 to 4 days to double.

When the threshold of 6000 mU/ml is reached, the level doubles every 4 days.

The growth of hCG continues until 10-12 weeks of pregnancy, then its value gradually decreases.

This is explained by the fact that by the end of the first trimester of pregnancy, the formed placenta takes over the function of hormonal support. The corpus luteum becomes unnecessary and disappears, so there is no need to synthesize large amounts of hCG.

After this, the concentration of hCG remains at approximately the same level until childbirth.

Norms for weeks of pregnancy are a very arbitrary concept, because each medical laboratory uses its own norms. What is more important is not the absolute value of hCG, but the dynamics of its growth.

The results of the tests obtained should be interpreted only by a doctor, taking into account laboratory standards and the individual characteristics of the woman.

If it is necessary to track the increase in hCG over time, all tests must be done in one laboratory. Different medical centers may have different laboratory methods and standards, so the analysis data may be incorrect.

Table: hCG level by week of pregnancy

The main indicators are presented in the following table.

Causes of elevated hCG levels

Exceeding normal values ​​is possible in the following cases:

• error in determining gestational age;
• diabetes;
• 2 or more fetuses develop in the uterus.

HCG during pregnancy with twins grows faster, that is, the existing norms can be safely increased by 1.5-2 times;

• fetal malformations, including Down syndrome;
• prolonged pregnancy.

A common cause of high hCG during pregnancy is the use of drugs that are prescribed to stimulate ovulation (Pregnil, Choragon).

A repeat analysis for hCG is carried out in the second trimester of pregnancy during the test, which makes it possible to identify abnormalities in fetal development.

Only based on screening results, Down syndrome and other defects are not confirmed; the woman simply falls into the risk group. For accurate diagnosis of pathology, other methods are used (

Diagnosis of pregnancy pathologies is not limited to conducting a blood test for hCG.

To make a final diagnosis, additional research methods are used, in particular ultrasound.

Elevated hCG in the absence of pregnancy

Excess permissible level HCG in the blood of men and non-pregnant women most often signals the formation of a malignant tumor. An increase in hormone levels can be caused by the following factors:

• testicular tumor in men;
• hydatidiform mole;
• malignant tumors of the genital organs, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys;
• the analysis was taken a short period of time after the abortion.

After an abortion or spontaneous miscarriage, hCG continues to be detected in the blood for some time. Normally, its value during pregnancy should decrease.

If hCG continues to increase, this indicates that there is still tissue from the membranes in the uterus that continues to produce the hormone.

In this case, the woman is indicated for curettage of the uterine cavity with subsequent monitoring of hCG and ultrasound.

Monitoring the level of hCG throughout pregnancy will allow you to timely identify abnormalities in the development of pregnancy and determine the right tactics for eliminating them.

The interpretation of blood tests for hCG should be entrusted to a doctor, because the norms are rather arbitrary and the woman herself will not be able to “read” the result correctly.

"We explained the purpose of determining the level of hCG in the blood, as well as the general trend in this indicator during pregnancy. However, we did not dwell in detail on the hCG norms by week. These values ​​are necessary to determine the normal or pathological course of your pregnancy. Let us warn you right away: managing pregnancy, including ordering tests and their interpretation, is the work of a professional. Only a qualified doctor can adequately assess the condition of a woman and her fetus, but it will be much easier for him if the woman is informed about the hCG levels by week, and at the same time trusts him and follows the instructions.

Changes in hCG levels during pregnancy

Before we begin to describe the hCG level by week, we should dwell on the features of the analysis itself. Human chorionic gonadotropin consists of two fractions - alpha and beta. Alpha HCG is identical to components some other hormones that are in no way related to the presence of pregnancy, while beta-hCG is highly specific: this fraction is produced exclusively by the chorion.

Home tests, so-called test strips, are based on the reaction of hCG of both subunits, but when determining hCG in the blood, they use a technique that captures only a specific beta fraction.

Second important point: any laboratory technique has its own sensitivity threshold. Please note that hCG standards for weeks of pregnancy, although they begin from the first week of embryonic development, however, at this period the results are practically no different from hCG levels in non-pregnant women. You should not run to the laboratory the very next day after the expected conception - this is a waste of money and time. Most early date, in which in some cases laboratory diagnosis of pregnancy is possible - 7-8 days after the expected conception. However, here too, gynecologists recommend not to rush, but to conduct the study only after a delay.

When determining hCG by week, they focus on several main points:

a reading of up to 5 mIU/ml is considered negative;

an indicator from 5 to 25 mIU/ml is doubtful and requires repeating after a few days;

When assessing deviations from the hCG norm by week, a difference exceeding 20% ​​of the standard is taken into account. A decrease or increase in hCG levels by 50% or more is considered a pathology.

A deviation of 20% usually requires repeat analysis. If, upon repeated examination, an even greater deviation from the norm is discovered, a conclusion is drawn about the presence of a pathological process, but if the result remains the same, and clinical picture There are no pregnancy complications, elevated hCG is considered as an option individual norm.

A single study of hCG levels is rarely used - it is relevant only for early diagnosis pregnancy. To identify pathological conditions (threat of abortion, feto-placental insufficiency, etc.), the dynamics of changes in hCG are observed.

So how does the hCG level change by week of pregnancy? Its growth is especially pronounced in the first weeks, then the increase in the rate slows down somewhat and it stabilizes. The increase in hCG value over the weeks is usually expressed in the time required to double its concentration in the blood. Initially, it only takes 2 days for hCG levels to double. Starting from 5-6 weeks this figure is already 3 days, at 7-8 weeks - 4 days. By 9-10 weeks, the concentration of hCG reaches its peak and subsequently decreases slightly, reaching the norm for 6-7 weeks by 16 weeks. In the second half of pregnancy, the dynamics of hCG levels by week are not subject to sharp fluctuations: for the remaining time, its level is only about 10% of its maximum at 10 weeks, increasing slightly on the eve of childbirth.

HCG levels are very variable between weeks of pregnancy. The initial increase is explained by the intensive growth of the fetus, child's place and active hormonal changes female body: at this time the chorion secretes a large number of HCG to prepare a place for the baby and provide conditions for its successful development. But after 10 weeks, the placenta undergoes significant changes: now it is not so much a hormonal organ as a respiratory and nutritional organ - after all, it is thanks to the placenta that the fetus receives nutrients and oxygen. This explains the decline in the increase in hCG in the blood.

HCG readings by week

To make it more convenient to navigate the hCG indicators by week, it is customary to present the standards in the form of a table.

What should you consider when comparing results with table data?

The hCG table shows by week obstetric weeks, which are counted from the date of the start of the last menstruation. That is why you will not see the hCG rate at 2 weeks here - during this period we are not talking about any pregnancy, because Conception itself occurs only at the end of this very second week or at the beginning of the third.

To make it easier to navigate when comparing the embryonic (from conception) and obstetric (from the last menstruation) periods, you can take it as a rule that the first is always 2 weeks behind the second.

If your result shows a slight increase in hCG (more than 5 mIU/ml), remember that before reaching 25 mIU/ml, the result is considered doubtful and requires repeating in 2-5 days.

The hCG level by week is not an absolute norm: there are minimum acceptable, maximum and average values. However, even if your result does not fit within the specified framework, the criterion for prescribing an additional examination (repeated hCG study, analysis of estrogen and progesterone) is usually considered to be a deviation of more than 20%. And even in this situation, it may turn out that this deviation is a variant of the individual norm, so do not draw your own conclusions - entrust this matter to a specialist.

In each case, the obtained indicator should be compared with the hCG norms for weeks that are accepted in the laboratory where you took the test. This is explained by the fact that different institutions may use different methods, so compare your result with the data indicated on the laboratory form.

Pregnancy is one of the most difficult stages in a woman’s life. You have to undergo various tests, monitor your diet and daily routine even more than before, and put up with poor health. Some tests are taken more than once, because with their help you can monitor the progress of pregnancy. One of these tests is a study on the level of the hormone hCG. It is first carried out during the diagnosis of pregnancy. In fact, it is the hCG analysis that often allows us to definitively establish that pregnancy has occurred.

Basic information about hCG

In order not to worry about the reasons for deviations in hCG levels from the norm, a woman needs to know the theoretical basis. The fact is that changes in hCG do not always indicate pregnancy, and are also not always a cause for concern. Yes, deviation from the norm is bad. But the norm itself is constantly changing, first in one direction, then in the other.

What is hCG

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is one of the most unique hormones. When a fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus, this hormone begins to emanate from the chorion and enters the blood. Accordingly, in a woman who is not pregnant, the hCG hormone is contained in small quantities.

The first hCG test occurs when pregnancy is diagnosed, and subsequent tests occur at different stages of pregnancy.. These tests are needed to determine the rate of fetal development and ensure that there are no delays or pathologies.

Human chorionic gonadotropin consists of alpha particles and beta particles. Doctors are not interested in the former, but the latter have a unique structure that cannot be confused with anything else. If beta particles of hCG are detected during a blood test, it becomes clear that fertilization has occurred.

However, the presence higher level HCG does not always indicate pregnancy. Sometimes this hormone can be a symptom of some disease, including in men (but rarely). In addition, increased levels of hCG are observed in the first days after an abortion.

How to diagnose pregnancy using hCG analysis

It's never too early to get an hCG test done. You can donate blood even 2-3 days after your period is missed. If at least 6-7 days have passed since conception, the test result will show pregnancy. But in order to finally make sure that the analysis is correct, doctors advise doing it 2 times, with an interval of 1 week. An ultravaginal ultrasound will also not hurt.

Important! Rapid tests, which can be purchased at any pharmacy, are also based on hCG analysis. The only difference is that the rapid test measures the level of the hormone not in the blood, but in the urine. The effectiveness of pharmacy tests is not very high, since the level of hCG in urine is half that in the blood. If little hormone is released, the test may not detect it. A laboratory blood test is much more effective.

What is the norm of hCG at different stages of pregnancy?

Gonadotropin appears in the blood immediately after the formation of the chorion. If the hormone level increases, then we can judge the successful development of pregnancy. The hCG rate in the first 3 months of pregnancy is approximately 2 times higher than in normal times. The peak level of the hormone occurs from 7 to 10 weeks, and after that it gradually decreases. After a slight decrease, the hCG level “freezes” until about mid-pregnancy.

Thus, from weeks 14 to 18, the hCG level should remain unchanged. If during this period the level increases or, conversely, decreases, this may mean that the development of the fetus is not happening entirely correctly. But hCG analysis alone is not enough to determine the presence of pathologies. If the doctor notices any abnormalities, he will definitely refer the pregnant woman for additional studies. As long as the doctor doesn't say anything, you don't have to worry about the fetus.

Important! The hCG level in women who are not pregnant and in men is no more than 5 mIU/ml. In pregnant women, the norm fluctuates throughout the entire pregnancy. The lion's share of pregnancy occurs with constant and very noticeable changes in the level of hCG, and you should not attach much importance to this fact.

Table of hCG norms by week of pregnancy

Based on this table, several conclusions can be drawn:

1. The level of hCG in the blood reaches its peak at 9-13 weeks of pregnancy and is thousands of times higher than the norm for a non-pregnant woman.
2. After week 13, hCG levels should begin to decline.
3. At weeks 23-41, changes in hCG levels are possible, but not so significant.

Important! The range of indicators is very wide, and all of them are the norm. For example, a woman whose hCG is 3000 mIU/ml at week 6 may feel no less calm than a woman who has the same hCG period reaches 50,000 mIU/ml. But if the indicator for a specific period is higher or lower than the range presented in the table, this is already a cause for concern.

Deviations of hCG levels from normal

Many women ask a reasonable question. If the hCG level is constantly changing, then how to determine whether it is normal or not? The answer to this question is provided by hCG level tables created based on statistics. The tables indicate what the hormone level should be during a normal pregnancy. Most tables calculate the hormone levels on a weekly basis. There are also daily tables, but they are not very accurate. Changes in hCG levels are best monitored over a weekly period.

Any deviations in hCG levels are negative. If in a particular week of pregnancy the level of the hormone in the blood is lower or higher than necessary, this indicates complications. These can be both pathologies of the fetus and diseases of the pregnant woman.

If hCG deviates from the norm, this does not mean that pregnancy has occurred. The reason may be:

• tumor of the kidneys, lungs, uterus, ovaries (testicles in men), as well as other tumors;
• a course of hormonal therapy (taking medications containing hCG;
• hydatidiform mole or its relapse;
• the remaining hCG in the blood after a recent abortion or the birth of a previous child.

Reasons for increased hCG during confirmed pregnancy:

• diabetes mellitus of a pregnant woman;
• taking progestational synthetic drugs;
• toxicosis and gestosis;
• fetal pathologies (primarily chromosomal);
• discrepancy between the current and expected stages of pregnancy.

The reasons for low hCG levels may be the following:

• non-existent pregnancy;
• placental insufficiency;
• post-maturity of the fetus;
• frozen pregnancy;
• risk of miscarriage (if the hCG level is underestimated by more than 50%);
• antenatal fetal death (only in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters).

So, there are a lot of reasons for the discrepancy between the hCG level and the norm. If this problem appears, do not immediately sound the alarm. The doctor will sort it out the real reason deviations from the norm. Perhaps it will not be something serious, but toxicosis, which is common for any pregnant woman.

In addition, elevated levels of hCG are often observed in women who are carrying 2 or more fetuses at the same time. If the level of the hormone in the blood of a woman pregnant with 2 children exceeds the general norm, this is not yet a reason to sound the alarm. Women with twins have their own hCG norm, which you should ask your doctor about.

Important! Sometimes it happens that the gestational age was set incorrectly. Then the hCG level will not match the table. To avoid misunderstandings, the onset of pregnancy should be carefully checked.

How to get tested correctly

In order for the information about the results of the hCG test to correspond to reality, you need to take it correctly. All details of the process should be learned from your doctor. But there are general recommendations that you should know in advance:

1. Regardless of the time of day, the test always takes place on an empty stomach. 5-6 hours before the procedure you need to stop drinking and eating.
2. Blood for analysis is taken from a vein, so it is better to spend 2-3 days before donation at rest, without physical activity.
3. If you took hormones shortly before the test, you need to tell the doctor who will study the test results and the laboratory assistant who takes the blood.

What to do if the hCG level is abnormal

When diagnosing pregnancy, it is important to understand that exceeding the norm does not always mean pregnancy. If hCG is more than 5 mIU/ml, then you should wait at least 4-5 days and take the test again. It is worth speaking with 100% certainty about the fact of pregnancy only when the hCG level is 25 mIU/ml.

If the normal level of hCG is violated already during pregnancy, then everything depends on the degree of deviation. The main thing is not to make decisions on your own, without the knowledge of the doctor. A slight deviation in general can be caused by the characteristics of the body and does not promise anything bad. If the deviation exceeds 20%, then the doctor refers the pregnant woman to other tests. Based on their results, it becomes clear whether there are any complications.

Important! Many medical centers use special methods for calculating hCG levels, so the tables used in these centers may contain completely different numbers. This is fine. Experts know what the hCG rate should be, and their words can be trusted.

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 length 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.

During multiple pregnancies, 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).

After the hCG level reaches 1000 - 2000 mIU/ml, the gestational sac can be visualized by ultrasound. Since hCG levels are highly variable and the date of conception may be erroneous, gestational age is determined by ultrasound or IVF data, but not by hCG.
One-time hCG determination is not enough, since it is important to evaluate the dynamics of hormone growth every 48-72 hours.

HCG norms by week. HCG table

These intervals are given as reference information and should not be used to interpret a specific hCG test.

Low hCG. What does hCG below normal mean?

• No pregnancy
• Stopping the development of pregnancy or miscarriage, biochemical pregnancy
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Threat of spontaneous abortion

Negative hCG or hCG, characteristic of the absence of pregnancy with a delay in menstruation

It is necessary to repeat the hCG test after 1-2 days; perhaps the pregnancy occurred later than expected. If the hCG level does not increase, it is necessary to look for other reasons for delayed menstruation.

HCG and biochemical pregnancy

The so-called “biochemical pregnancy” is a condition in which an increase in hCG above normal was detected, but the pregnancy did not continue to develop. In this case, the hCG level increases slightly, and then in a short time decreases to zero values.

HCG and ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg is located outside the uterine cavity. When outside intrauterine pregnancy There may be pain in the lower abdomen, bloody issues. The hCG level during an ectopic pregnancy may not increase as quickly or significantly as during a normally developing intrauterine pregnancy. However, low level HCG does not allow us to make such a conclusion unambiguously. Starting from a hCG level of 1000 mIU/ml, a fertilized egg can be detected in the uterine cavity. With a hCG level of 2000 mIU/ml and the absence of a fertilized egg in the uterine cavity on ultrasound, the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy is significant.

Elevated hCG. What could a higher than normal hCG level mean?

• Error in calculating gestational age
• Hydatidiform mole
• Multiple pregnancy
• Complications of pregnancy (preeclampsia)
• Diabetes at the mother's
• Taking synthetic gestagens
• Risk of fetal malformations

HCG and multiple pregnancy. HCG and twins.

The level of hCG in multiple pregnancies is higher than in singleton pregnancies, but the rate of increase in hCG is the same in both cases.

Hydatidiform mole

Hydatidiform mole is a rare complication of pregnancy in which the hCG level will be significantly elevated, on average 2 times higher than the average value for given period. For example, the possible level of hCG with a hydatidiform mole 36 days from the first day of the last menstruation can reach 200,000 mIU/ml, while with a normally developing pregnancy hCG will be from 1,200 to 36,000 mIU/ml.

HCG analysis after embryo transfer. HCG for IVF

The hCG test is carried out approximately 2 weeks after embryo transfer (12-14 days after transfer (dpp)). Usually the hCG level at 14 dpp is more than 100 mIU/ml.

If the hCG level is less than 25 mIU/ml, pregnancy has not occurred. If the hCG level is more than 25, the test is repeated after 2 days; as pregnancy progresses, its level should increase. HCG levels will double approximately every 48 hours until 21 days after the infusion.

Higher hCG values ​​(300-400 mIU/ml) most likely indicate a multiple pregnancy.

HCG and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

In patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, hCG levels should be interpreted with caution. These patients may develop edema, which leads to thickening of the blood, which can lead to a false increase in the level of hCG, and when the blood composition is normalized, to a false absence of increase in the level of hCG.

HCG in later pregnancy

The hCG test is also included in prenatal screening in the second trimester - an analysis that allows you to assess the risk of developing fetal defects.

Elevated hCG levels in non-pregnant women and men

Outside of pregnancy, hCG can be produced by the cells of certain tumors (seminoma, testicular teratoma, neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract (including pancreas, liver, colorectal cancer and stomach cancer).

With successful treatment of a hCG-producing tumor, the hCG level should decrease to normal.

How does hCG change after miscarriage, abortion, childbirth?

In most cases, hCG levels decrease. The half-life of hCG is 24-36 hours. The speed at which hCG levels reach zero depends on what exactly happened: spontaneous miscarriage, abortion, childbirth, curettage) and how high the hCG level was at the time of pregnancy loss. Doctors recommend continuing to evaluate hCG levels until the level reaches less than 5 mIU/ml. If the hCG level remains high, you should consult a doctor.

What medications affect hCG levels?

The level of hCG is affected by drugs that contain hCG (Pregnil, Horagon).