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2 Apr 2024

Pregnancy blood test: hCG levels

Pregnancy
Pregnancy follow-up
Pregnancy blood test: hCG levels
During pregnancy, the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone plays a crucial role in supporting the development of the growing fetus.
Measuring hCG levels through a blood test can provide valuable information about the progression of pregnancy and help in the early detection of potential complications.
Let's explore the significance of hCG levels in pregnancy and how they are used to monitor the health and development of your baby.
What is hCG?
  1. hCG Hormone: Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced by the developing placenta after conception occurs. Its levels rise rapidly in the early weeks of pregnancy.
  2. Detection of Pregnancy: hCG is a reliable marker for pregnancy detection, and its presence in the blood confirms the successful implantation of a fertilized egg.
Importance of hCG Levels
  1. Confirming Pregnancy: A blood test measuring hCG levels can confirm the presence of pregnancy even before a missed period. The test detects hCG in the blood, providing an accurate and early confirmation of pregnancy.
  2. Monitoring Pregnancy Progression: Serial hCG measurements over time can help assess the progression of pregnancy. hCG levels typically double every 48 to 72 hours during the early weeks of pregnancy.
  3. Detecting Potential Complications: Abnormal hCG levels can be an indicator of potential complications, such as ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, or miscarriage. Deviations from expected hCG levels may prompt further investigation and medical intervention.
hCG Levels and Pregnancy Stages
  1. Early Pregnancy: In the early weeks of pregnancy, hCG levels rise rapidly. Normal hCG levels during this stage vary widely but generally double every 48 to 72 hours. The specific range of hCG levels can vary based on individual factors and the gestational age.
  2. Mid-Pregnancy: As pregnancy progresses, hCG levels peak and then gradually decline. By the end of the first trimester, hCG levels typically stabilize and may even decrease slightly.
  3. Beyond the First Trimester: Once the placenta is fully developed, it takes over the role of hormone production, and hCG levels become less significant for monitoring pregnancy.
Interpreting hCG Level Results
  1. Normal and Healthy Pregnancy: Normal hCG levels can vary widely, but a general guideline is that hCG levels should double approximately every 48 to 72 hours in early pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your specific hCG levels in the context of your pregnancy stage to ensure healthy progression.
  2. Deviation from Expected Levels: Deviations from expected hCG levels can indicate potential complications. Low or slow-rising hCG levels may suggest a possible miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, while excessively high levels could indicate a molar pregnancy or multiple gestations. Further testing and evaluation will be necessary to determine the cause and appropriate management.
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Pregnancy Test Essentials
M
Mikah
30 Dec 2023

Sadly I got blood results back today after 3 positive at home pregnancy test my hcg levels were 2.39 I go back tomorrow to see if maybe they jump and I’m just early but I have a bad feeling 😢😢

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
5 comments
A
Arianna
My best friend is going through the same thing her numbers were 46 waiting on results praying for the best for both of you!
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mikah
They said mine are so low that I’m not pregnant witch hurt horribly after this
27 Mar 2024

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d
deangelys amarie
25 Oct 2023

I went to the ER yesterday to get my pregnancy confirmed with a blood test. My HCG levels were 103 is that good or bad for being 4 weeks and 5 days ?

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
3 comments
T
Tiondra
It matters if it’s doubling if it drops then most of the time it’s not a good sign I was 127 when I went to the hospital but 48 hours later I dropped to 27
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kate
It’s hard to base what’s “good or bad” by one test. You should schedule another blood test 48h after the first to compare and make sure your hcg levels are rising.
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kathyria
7 Sep 2023

how far along into pregnancy am i if i found out i was pregnant with HCG levels of 546 and when i went in 2days later my HCG levels were at 1,404 ?

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
3 comments
H
Hayley
It depends. The first day of your last period is usually how they calculate pregnancy. If you don’t know it, they will size the baby on your first ultrasound to determine due date.
27 Mar 2024

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H
Hayley
Your HCG doubling after two days is a great sign though!
27 Mar 2024

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L
Liz
6 Sep 2023

Okay so I got a positive pregnancy test 8/18 and the past 3 Wednesdays I’ve had my blood drawn and my hcg levels went from 447(8/23) to 5181 (8/30) to 42981 (today), my first ultrasound is the 11th…. With the extreme jumps could it be multiples?!? #hcg #twins? #earlypregnancy

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
2 comments
D
Danielle 🦦🪷
I mean it’s not really extreme jumps. It should double every 48 hours roughly. You have really good numbers tho. If you want multiples then I’m sending you multiple baby dust when you go to your ultrasound
27 Mar 2024

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L
Liz
My 13 year old is dead set on me having twins for some reason , says she just has a feeling lol I’m so nervous to find out lol
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mary
16 Jun 2023

This is my first pregnancy. I literally know nothing…. I had 7 positive at home pregnancy tests. I had blood work done to confirm/measure HCG levels and on Tuesday the levels were 526. I had more blood drawn on Thursday and I got the levels back today, of 867. Is this a good sign?

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
2 comments
M
Marie
Very good! You want it to up and eventually down after 10 weeks.
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jamie
You want your numbers to double every 2-3 days. It varies from woman to woman on the doubling time.
27 Mar 2024

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C
Cierra
6 Jun 2023

Pregnant my blood hCG levels were at 270 today witch week would that put me at?

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
2 comments
R
Remember
3 weeks almost four
27 Mar 2024

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N
Nicole
My hcg was 234.8 at 3 weeks and 6 days
27 Mar 2024

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A
Autumn
21 Nov 2022

I am 6 weeks, 3 days. Hcg levels are 14, 688 and beans heartbeat is 125. I am thinking a boy! We find out in 13 days with a gender blood test!💗

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
7 comments
C
Carolyn
How did you find this out?
27 Mar 2024

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A
Autumn
I had to go for a vaginal ultrasound and blood work. They were able to see and measure baby’s heartbeat and determine my hcg levels with blood work!
27 Mar 2024

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J
Josie
15 Sep 2022

Just got my positive pregnancy test on Friday and my hcg levels went from 30 to 680. Are these good numbers? So confused. #Faithandprayersup

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
3 comments
t
thania
Yes long as it’s going up ur good
27 Mar 2024

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J
Josie
thank you❤️
27 Mar 2024

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M
Meredith
30 Aug 2022

I am 5 weeks pregnant today. My HCG blood levels were taken at the Dr. And came back 2,030.. is that normal for 5 weeks pregnancy? Thanks!

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
2 comments
L
Liaha
Yes that's normal
27 Mar 2024

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B
Brittany
I think so, I had mine done 2 days ago and I'm 5 weeks and mine are 3147miu/ml. This was also in my chart,
27 Mar 2024

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c
chiara
25 Jul 2022

I'm just concerned. I took a HCG QUANT BLOOD TEST on JULY 11. And came back as 2,241 miU/mL . Today JULY 25, took another blood test for the HCG QUANT, it came back 23,466 miU/mL. Is my pregnancy healthy/ ok??

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
10 comments
S
Shelby
Is awesome. They want them to double and multiply overtime .
27 Mar 2024

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S
Shelby
Mine went from 9788 to this in 3 days
27 Mar 2024

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