Recognizing pregnancy is crucial for planning proper care for both the mother and baby, especially for women with fertility issues who require precision and speed in tracking bodily changes. The hCG hormone is the first sign that pregnancy has begun, as it is produced once the fertilized egg implants in the uterus.
This article will help you understand what does hCG hormone do, when hCG hormone is produced, and what hCG level indicates pregnancy, giving you confidence in early pregnancy care.
What Does hCG Hormone Do and Why Is It Important for Pregnancy?
hCG, or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, is a hormone produced by the placenta after the embryo implants in the uterine lining. It begins production within 6-10 days after fertilization and implantation.
The main function of hCG hormone is to stimulate the ovaries to maintain progesterone levels, ensuring that the uterine lining remains thick and suitable for pregnancy. It also plays a key role in preventing the shedding of the uterine lining, which would result in a miscarriage.
When Is hCG Hormone Produced and How Is It Detected?
There are two main methods for detecting hCG hormone:
1. Blood Test
A blood test can detect hCG as early as 6-8 days after fertilization. It is the most sensitive and accurate method, and doctors often use it to confirm early pregnancy.
2. Urine Test (Pregnancy Test Kits)
It is recommended to take a urine test about one week after your missed period. Testing too early may result in undetectable levels of hCG hormone.
Factors such as irregular cycles or ovulation timing can affect test results, so it’s advised to retest if results are unclear.
What hCG Level Indicates Pregnancy?
If a blood test shows hCG levels greater than 25 mIU/mL, it indicates pregnancy. Levels under 5 mIU/mL are considered “not pregnant,” while levels between 6-24 mIU/mL may require retesting in 2-3 days for confirmation.
Approximate hCG Levels in Pregnant Women (mIU/mL)
| Weeks After Conception | Average hCG Levels |
| 3 Weeks | 5-50 mIU/mL |
| 4 Weeks | 5-426 mIU/mL |
| 5 Weeks | 18-7,340 mIU/mL |
| 6 Weeks | 1,080-56,500 mIU/mL |
| 7-8 Weeks | 7,650-229,000 mIU/mL |
| 9-12 Weeks | 25,700-288,000 mIU/mL |
Levels should double every 2-3 days early in pregnancy. If levels do not increase as expected, it may indicate complications such as an ectopic pregnancy or risk of miscarriage.
Why Might My hCG Levels Not Rise Immediately? How Long Should I Wait?
In some cases, using a pregnancy test kit too soon after fertilization or just before or after a missed period may show undetectable hCG levels. Here are common reasons:
- Testing too early after conception.
- Ovulation timing being off from expectations.
- hCG hormone levels not being high enough in urine yet.
- Health issues, such as late implantation or low-quality embryos.
Doctors recommend waiting at least 7 days after a missed period before testing again. If in doubt, repeat the test in 2-3 days or visit a doctor for a blood test.
Frequently Asked Questions About hCG
Q: Does low hCG mean I’m not pregnant?
A: If your hCG level is under 5 mIU/mL, it indicates no pregnancy. However, borderline levels could mean late implantation, so retesting is advised.
Q: How quickly should hCG rise in early pregnancy?
A: Generally, hCG levels should double every 48-72 hours in the early stages of pregnancy.
Q: Can I be pregnant even if I don’t have morning sickness but my hCG is high?
A: Yes, some women do not experience morning sickness, and they can still be pregnant. Each pregnancy is unique, and symptoms vary from person to person.
Q: How often should women with fertility issues test for hCG?
A: This depends on your doctor’s recommendations, especially after procedures like IUI, IVF, or ICSI.
hCG hormone is the most accurate early pregnancy indicator. Understanding the right time to test and how to interpret hCG levels helps women confirm pregnancy early and manage pregnancy care appropriately, especially for those with fertility challenges.
Confident Pregnancy Planning with Fertility Specialists
If you’re planning to conceive or have experienced fluctuating hCG levels, expert care can help increase your chances of success. For those looking for guidance on fertility treatment, visit VFC Center (V Fertility Center), infertility treatment in Thailand where specialized doctors can provide expert advice and help you with fertility treatments to support your pregnancy journey.
Article by Dr.Wanakan Singhasena
Contact or Book a Consultation:
VFC Center – V-Fertility Center
Hotline: 082-903-2035
LINE Official: @vfccenter
OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY-REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE
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