HCG begins to produce the chorion of the embryo after implantation in the endometrium. It is actively used to diagnose pregnancy. It is on the presence of hCG in the urine that a test responds that helps a woman learn about imminent motherhood.
However, this hormone indicates not only the fact of pregnancy. Its amount can help a doctor suspect many pathologies, including in the development of the fetus. The level of hCG during pregnancy should change in a certain way, it is important not so much its quantity as the dynamics.
This hormone allows you to learn about motherhood 10 days after fertilization, and sometimes earlier. It is thanks to the release of hCG that the corpus luteum that synthesizes progesterone continues to exist. Estrogens also begin to stand out. The role of hCG in the normal development of pregnancy is difficult to overestimate.
Laboratory determination of the hormone in the blood is more accurate than homemade in the urine. The fact is that it contains less hCG. Therefore, at a very early date it is better to donate blood.
The level of hCG during pregnancy in the 1st trimester is constantly growing. The highest concentration is achieved for 10-12 weeks. Then the amount of the hormone decreases and remains constant in the second half of pregnancy.
So, the norms of hCG during pregnancy:
- 1-2 weeks - 27-302;
- 2-3 weeks - 1502-5002;
- 3-4 weeks - 10002-30002;
- 4-5 week - 20002-100002;
- 5-6 week - 50002-200002;
- 6-7 week - 50002-200002;
- 7-8 week - 20002-200002;
- 8-9 week - 20002-100002;
- 9-10 week - 20002-95002;
- 11-12 week - 20002-90002;
- Week 13-24 - 15002-60002;
- 15-25 week - 10002-35002;
- 26-37 week 10002-60002.
The unit of measurement is honey / ml. Please note that figures may vary in different laboratories. This is due to the use of different test systems and units. Non-pregnant hCG should be no higher than 5 mU / ml. It should be noted that weeks are counted from the day of conception, and not the last menstruation.
Indications for the appointment of a hormone test:
- suspected swelling of the testicles ;
- prenatal skinning;
- diagnosis of cystic drift, chorionepithelioma;
- possible non-developing pregnancy and miscarriage;
- monitoring of gestation;
- assessment of the completeness of abortion;
- the exception of an ectopic pregnancy;
- amenorrhea;
- early definition of conception.
So, the level of hCG during pregnancy rises in the following situations:
- administration of progestogens;
- incorrect deadline;
- Down syndrome, fetal pathology, malformations;
- preeclampsia;
- diabetes;
- multiple pregnancy (it increases in proportion to the number of fruits).
A high homon value occurs outside of pregnancy in the following conditions:
- immediately after an abortion;
- choriocarcinoma;
- taking drugs with hCG;
- cystic drift or relapse;
- neoplasms of the lungs, uterus, kidneys;
- tumors in the digestive tract.
Low levels of hCG during pregnancy are possible with:
- fetal death;
- placental insufficiency;
- pregnancy overtaking ;
- threatened miscarriage;
- ectopic and frozen pregnancy;
- developmental delay.
An analysis must be taken in the morning and strictly on an empty stomach. It is important to remember that the doctor should interpret the results, taking into account data from other studies. If a person takes any medications, then it is necessary to warn him about this, since this can affect the result of the analysis.
To diagnose pregnancy, a study is best done a few days after the delay. For fidelity, you need to repeat the analysis.
So, the level of hCG during pregnancy depends on the term. It helps to diagnose not only the fact of conception, but also to assess how fully the baby is bearing. Non-compliance with hCG norm may indicate fetal pathologies and even death.
He enters the prenatal screening, which every future mother passes without fail today. HCG testing is the most accurate way to diagnose pregnancy. In addition, determining the level of this hormone is actively used to detect cancer.