Know About HCG Levels in Pregnancy and Miscarriage
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a well-known pregnancy hormone. It is detected in at-home pregnancy tests and is one of the hormones your doctor may monitor through blood work, particularly if you have a history of miscarriage or pregnancy loss.
In early pregnancy, hCG’s primary function is to stimulate the body’s production of estrogen and progesterone, which support the growth of the uterus and the uterine lining. hCG injections can also help manage hormone levels during this critical period.
During the first 6 to 10 weeks of pregnancy, hCG levels increase rapidly, often doubling every two days. If hCG levels do not double during this crucial period, it may indicate that the pregnancy is at risk.
What is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced only during pregnancy, as the placenta makes it. In the first trimester of pregnancy, levels of hCG rise and can be detected in your urine within a day or two of the implantation.
Does low levels of hCG mean a miscarriage?
Not necessary. The main symptoms that doctors use to diagnose a potential miscarriage are:
- Spotting and bleeding
- Abdominal and back pain
- Loss of pregnancy symptoms
- Fluid or tissue which passes from the vagina
However, if you have low hCG levels during the first trimester, you might be at an increased risk of miscarriage. If this is the case, your doctor can conduct some tests to know the health of your pregnancy.
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What is miscarriage?
A miscarriage is the loss of a developing fetus in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. However, most miscarriages happen in the first three months.
Some common symptoms of miscarriage include:
- Loss of mucus or clot-like tissue from the vagina
- Spotting or bleeding
- Abdominal or back pain or cramp
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor because miscarriage can lead to severe complications.
HCG levels in pregnancy
If you think you are pregnant, a doctor will first take a blood sample from a vein to check the hCG levels. However, if no hCG is present in your blood, this does not mean you are not pregnant. It might be possible that you are too early in your pregnancy for hCG levels to increase.
When hCG levels are higher than 5 million international units per millilitre, it usually indicates pregnancy. The result of the first test is considered a baseline level, which can range from small to large.
The baseline level is necessary due to a concept that doctors call doubling time. During the first four weeks of your pregnancy, hCG levels will double every two to three days. After the sixth week, they will double almost every 96 hours.
However, if your baseline level is more than five mIU/mL, the doctor can repeat the test to see if the number doubles.
HCG levels during a miscarriage
During a miscarriage, your body stops producing hCG. This results in hCG levels falling nonstop until they come to their pre-pregnancy baseline, which takes time of almost six weeks.
During a miscarriage, the exact hCG levels to expect entirely depends on how high hCG levels were before the pregnancy loss. If the loss occurs early in the pregnancy, hCG levels can take only a few days to reset.
Briefly discover on- hCG's Role in Pregnancy and Miscarriage
Causes of low hCG levels
When a woman develops an ectopic or intrauterine pregnancy, there might be low or inadequate increasing hCG levels. You need to know that low hCG levels are not a cause but a symptom of such conditions.
When considering hCG levels and pregnancy, doctors usually consider the initial hCG level and how fast it increases during the pregnancy.
Therefore, levels of hCG usually double every 48 hours in almost 99% of viable pregnancies within the first several weeks of your pregnancy.
Can You Get Pregnant with Low hCG Levels?
hCG levels vary among women, so low numbers do not necessarily mean you cannot have a healthy pregnancy. The key is that your levels should trend upwards overall.
A single lower-than-expected hCG reading is not that concerning. However, Having a continuous decrease in hCG levels in the first trimester of pregnancy can indicate an unviable pregnancy. If your hCG levels are rising, your pregnancy is progressing normally.
Explore more about HCG
Did you know some people are exploring using hCG and Semaglutide together for weight loss? However, using hCG for weight loss already being controversial. Follow the Article to know more.
Summary
hCG levels can differ among pregnant women and across different pregnancies. If you have experienced low hCG levels and a miscarriage, there is still a chance to conceive again and have a healthy baby. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns about hCG levels or miscarriage.