hCG is a crucial hormone for pregnant mothers and a key indicator of pregnancy. Many women may wonder when hCG can be detected, how to test for it, what it means if hCG levels rise without pregnancy, and whether an imbalance in hCG levels can affect the baby.

Get to Know the ‘hCG Hormone
hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a pregnancy hormone produced by the cells of the placenta. This hormone is present only during pregnancy because its key components come from the placental cells of the baby.
The hCG hormone can be detected approximately 11 days after fertilization. Its levels double every three days and peak between the 8th and 11th weeks of pregnancy. After that, the levels gradually decrease and stabilize throughout the rest of the pregnancy.
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What is hCG hormone produced from?
The hCG hormone is produced by the placenta cells of the baby. Its function is to help the embryo implant properly in the uterine wall. The hCG hormone increases significantly during the first 1–3 months of pregnancy. Additionally, hCG stimulates the ovaries to produce other essential hormones in early pregnancy, such as estrogen and progesterone.

Benefits of hCG Hormone in Pregnancy
hCG hormone helps the embryo implant in the uterine lining and stimulates the ovaries to produce other essential hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, which are crucial for pregnancy. The hCG hormone gradually increases in quantity and can also be used to detect pregnancy, as it is present in both blood and urine.
What is the hCG test?
A qualitative hCG test detects whether a person is pregnant or not and can be performed as early as 11 days after fertilization.
A quantitative hCG test measures the exact level of hCG in the blood to determine whether it is higher or lower than normal. It can also help doctors identify and diagnose potential complications during pregnancy.

What are the methods to test hCG?
- Blood Test
A blood test involves collecting a blood sample and analyzing it in a laboratory. The hCG level in the blood is often used as part of prenatal screening to detect fetal abnormalities. -
Urine Test
A urine hCG test, commonly known as a pregnancy test, displays results as colored lines.
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Two lines (one at "C" and one at "T") indicate a positive result, meaning pregnancy is likely.
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One line (only at "C") indicates a negative result, meaning no pregnancy.
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If no lines appear, the test may be defective, expired, or there may have been an error in sample collection. In this case, a retest is needed.
hCG levels in pregnancy
Ovulation Day is a natural reproductive mechanism in women that occurs every month, with each cycle lasting approximately 28-35 days, starting from the first day of menstruation.
Ovulation is when the most mature egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube. Those trying to conceive often track ovulation symptoms to increase their chances of pregnancy. Therefore, individuals who want to have a baby should observe these signs to improve their chances of conception.
What Happens If hCG Levels Are Imbalanced?
- Low hCG levels:
Typically, a woman will find out she is pregnant about 4 weeks after conception. At this stage, hCG levels should range from 500-6000 U/ml. If the hCG level is lower than the standard range, it could indicate a risk of miscarriage, blighted ovum, or an ectopic pregnancy. It’s important to consult a doctor immediately.
High hCG levels:At 4 weeks of pregnancy, hCG levels should be around 500-6000 U/ml. If the hCG level is higher than the standard range, it may indicate multiple pregnancies (twins or more) or a molar pregnancy. In such cases, prompt consultation with a doctor is advised.
Factors that can cause hCG imbalance
- Maternal Weight: If the mother has excess weight, the hCG levels may be lower than normal.
- Diabetes: This condition can cause hCG levels to be lower than usual.
- Twin Pregnancy: hCG levels are higher in twin pregnancies compared to single pregnancies.
uE3 (Unconjugated Estriol): In pregnant women, uE3 levels continuously increase, which is considered normal. However, if the uE3 level is lower than usual, it may indicate a higher risk of having a baby with Down syndrome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the normal hCG level for a person?
In a normal, non-pregnant woman, there should be no hCG hormone in the body as it is produced by the cells of the placenta. It can be detected in urine about 11-14 days after fertilization. The hormone level will double every 3 days, peaking at 8-11 weeks of pregnancy. If there is no pregnancy, there will be no detectable hCG, and the test will come back negative.
What hCG level indicates pregnancy?
hCG hormone begins to be produced approximately 11 days after fertilization, marking the embryo's development. The level increases rapidly, doubling every 3 days, peaking at 8-11 weeks of pregnancy. Afterward, it will decrease and stabilize throughout the pregnancy. In medical terms, if the hCG level is greater than 25 mIU/mL, it is considered a positive result for pregnancy.
Conclusion
hCG hormone is the pregnancy hormone, produced by the cells of the placenta, and helps the embryo implant more effectively in the uterine wall. This hormone can be detected in both urine and blood. The hCG level can be detected about 11 days after fertilization and will continue to rise according to the pregnancy's progress. If any mothers have questions, feel free to ask for more information via Line: @beyondivf