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26 March 2025

What is hCG hormone? How does it help in pregnancy?


26 March 2025
Updates

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?

  1. 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.

  2. Urine Test
    A urine hCG test, commonly known as a pregnancy test, displays results as colored lines.

  • Two lines (one at "C" and one at "T") indicate a positive result, meaning pregnancy is likely.

  • One line (only at "C") indicates a negative result, meaning no pregnancy.

  • 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

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The Biological Clock

This tool indicates:

  • Natural conception per month if you have no fertility issues
  • IVF success rate at the same age
  • When to seek help after months of unsuccessful attempts

If you are concerned at any stage – we recommend booking a doctor appointment or a free nurse consultation. The sooner you make a plan the better your chances in the long term.

When to seek advice early

  • If you have polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, or have been through a cancer diagnosis; we recommend you get in touch quickly so we can talk you through all your options and give you the greatest possible chance of success.
  • If you’re a single woman considering motherhood in the future; it’s best to approach us early and consider egg freezing as this can be an option for you while you have a higher ovarian reserve and healthier eggs.
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Body Mass Index calculator

Being overweight or underweight can reduce fertility, so it is important to keep your body weight within the normal healthy range.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indication of your body weight and can be calculated by dividing weight by height. You should aim for a BMI of between 20 and 25, as this will optimise your chances of conception.

Woman’s BMI below 19

Even in these modern times, nature knows best. If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

Being underweight

If a woman's BMI falls below 19, the body senses famine and ovulation is switched off to prevent the risk of having a baby with malnutrition. Excessive exercise can reduce body fat and increase muscle mass to a point where periods cease for the same reason. Risk of miscarriage is also increased in women with a low BMI.

BMI’s greater than 30

This can reduce fertility by 50%. Pregnancy for women with a 30+ BMI is often associated with problems such as maternal diabetes, high blood pressure, big babies and increased risk of caesarean section.

Add your height and weight to calculate your BMI