HCG: table of norms by week of pregnancy. Possible mistakes and pathology

Thoughts about pregnancy arise in a woman after a few days of delay in menstruation. By that time, the embryo is already several weeks old. HCG was called the hormone of pregnant women for a reason, it is actively produced only in "women in position" and is determined on the most.

The table of HCG indicators is guided not only during diagnosis early pregnancy... It is needed for:

• comparisons when observing the correct formation of the fetus;
• timely detection of developmental anomalies.

Normally, the hormone is found in the body of both sexes, but its concentration does not exceed 5 U / ml.

• What is HCG and why is it important during pregnancy
• Normal level outside of gestation
• The period of active synthesis of the hormone
  • When to get tested
  • Why HCG does not meet the deadline
• Reasons for deviations
• When to donate blood for research
• How often do you get tested in the 1st trimester?
  • Indications
  • Errors
  • Is it possible to take hCG in the evening
• Preparation for analysis
• HCG growth table during pregnancy by week
• Dynamics of hCG by days from conception (table)
• Characteristic changes in the level of the hormone in genetic pathologies
• When does the natural decrease in hCG occur during pregnancy?

Chorionic gonadotropin and its role

Chorionic gonadotropin is a glycoprotein consisting of a couple of components:

• alpha particles or alpha subunits;
• beta particles or beta subunits.

Actually, the beta component of the hormone is a kind of marker for the onset and successful course of pregnancy. HCG is produced by the primary embryonic membrane - chorion, from the first days of conception.

The main role is to block the menstrual cycle, prevent bleeding and spontaneous embryo rejection. It activates the production of estradiol - hormones responsible for keeping the fertilized egg in the body of the uterus, as well as the correct formation and nutrition of the placenta.

The concentration of the hormone in the blood outside of pregnancy

In a non-pregnant woman, the level of gonadotropin is low - from 0 to 5 IU / ml. The increase in indicators is recorded:

• some time after;
• in the climacteric period (up to 9 U / ml);
• against the background of long-term therapy with hormonal drugs;
• in the presence of tumor-like formations of the genitourinary system.

In men increased amount hormone in the blood indicates the development of a tumor process in the reproductive sphere.

The period of active production of hCG

The active production of gonadotropin begins on the 5-7th day from conception, during this period the increased level is diagnosed only in the venous blood. On the 8-10th day, the concentration of the hormone is such that it is freely excreted in the urine. Not everyone knows what it is - hCG, but it is on the principle of detecting a hormone in urine that the work of test strips is built.

The quantitative peak of gonadotropin is recorded at - I trimester. Further, its indicators gradually decrease and increase according to the gestational age.

When is the first test scheduled?

If the planned time of conception is known, you can take the test on the 7th - 9th day. If there are doubts about the day, blood is donated after 4 days of delay in menstruation. For the accuracy of the result, the analysis is repeated after 2 days.

With successful fertilization, the indicator rises every day by one and a half to two times. If the concentration of hCG remains the same or fluctuates slightly, another reason should be sought. After a week of delay in menstruation, you can use the urine gonadotropin test strip.

Why is the increase in hCG not in line with the expected time frame?

Often, the dynamic indicators of the growth of the hormone are in opposition to the terms set by the gynecologist. This worries the woman, forcing her to think about pathology. Indeed, with some developmental anomalies, a lag in the level of gonadotropin is observed. But it is important to remember that hCG is used to judge the duration of pregnancy from the moment of conception, and the doctor counts the weeks from the last menstruation.

Note! The analysis of hCG reliably establishes the fact of pregnancy, but not its duration. To determine the age of the fetus, it is better to use the ultrasound method.

Factors of deviation from the norm

The obtained indicators during pregnancy may not correspond to the standards of hCG from the table for various reasons.

When gonadotropin levels are above normal:

1. With an incorrectly set deadline. In the first trimester, a difference of 5-6 days gives significant deviations. Therefore, it is possible to compare the tabular data with your results, but it should be understood that the HCG table during pregnancy is only a guideline and it is not the exact correspondence of the numbers that is important, but the dynamics of their growth.
2. With multiple gestation. The concentration of gonadotropin is proportional to the number of embryos. So with twins, the norm is multiplied by two, and with triplets by three.
3. After therapy with hormone-containing drugs based on gestagen.
4. At .
5. With a genetic abnormality in the fetus.

In addition, an increase in blood sugar affects the test result.

When a reduced concentration of hCG is determined:

1. With an incorrectly set deadline.
2. ... The amount of the hormone increases, but at a reduced rate.
3. ... The hCG level drops sharply down by 40-50%.
4. With reduced blood supply to the placenta and insufficient nutrition.

Any deviation from the norm requires a second retake, to exclude an error, and additional examination methods.

Self-determination of the fact of pregnancy, when to get tested?

In the average woman, fertilization occurs in the middle of the cycle - during ovulation. The path of the egg cell takes 5-7 days. Once in the uterine cavity, it attaches to the wall, it is during this period that the production of hCG begins in the pregnant woman (this is clearly seen in the table).

The first analysis can be carried out 8-10 days after intercourse, but it should be remembered that the level of the hormone is not yet high. A result of 25 IU / ml and below is considered controversial. The optimal time for delivery is 3-4 days of delayed menstruation. The amount of gonadotropin is approximately doubled every day. For the purity of the result, it is recommended to re-submit in two days in the same laboratory.

Important! The standards for the HCG table have a wide range. With a healthy development of pregnancy, the result is different women will be different.

First trimester examination frequency

Twice, with a break of several days, blood is donated for primary diagnosis and establishment of the fact. If the course of pregnancy does not inspire concern, the study is repeated at 11 - at the end of the first trimester. This study includes the identification of the level of three hormones, the change in which gives an idea of ​​the development of abnormalities in the fetus.

If it is necessary to trace the dynamics of growth, the doctor may prescribe a study of the amount of gonadotropin for 2 to 4 weeks with an interval of 4 to 5 days. This approach is used for women at risk. The next is being held.

Indications for analysis

In what cases the detection of the "pregnancy hormone" becomes an important part of the diagnosis:

• new-onset amenorrhea;
• tracking the dynamics of the course of pregnancy;
• an indication of the ectopic development of the embryo;
• the threat of intrauterine fetal death;
• the threat of spontaneous abortion;
• identification of anatomical and genetic anomalies in the formation of a child;
• suspicion of the development of a malignant tumor process.

Are there any mistakes when reading hCG?

HCG, like any medical analysis, can give false readings, although the error rate is not high.

Reasons for a false positive response:

1. hormone therapy with progestin drugs;
2. increased synthesis of gonadotropin as a result of a malfunction in the control body - the pituitary gland;
3. development of neoplasms of the reproductive sphere;
4. endocrine diseases.

In these cases, the test results show pregnancy in its actual absence.

The opposite situation - a false negative test in the presence of a fertilized egg, develops with insufficient production of gonadotropin:

1. too much early holding analysis;
2. and the exit of the ovum into the uterine cavity;
3. ectopic embryo development.

Is it possible to take a hormone test in the afternoon?

The maximum amount of hCG in the blood and urine is recorded in the morning after sleep. Therefore, all studies are carried out before 10 am on an empty stomach. This condition is especially important for early dates when the concentration of the hormone is not yet high. By the evening, the level of gonadotropin decreases several times, which provokes a false result.

Analysis rules

The delivery of hCG does not require special training. The rules common to all blood tests apply here:

• light dinner the day before, excluding food on the day of delivery;
• it is recommended to drink a glass of clean water;
• to reduce physical exercise;
• do not smoke 7 - 8 hours before the study;
• all medications taken must be reported to the attending physician.

For research, venous blood is taken, which is then separated using a centrifuge. The time for decrypting the data obtained in different laboratories is not the same, from 4 hours to a week.

Change in indicators by week of gestation

Consider, for clarity, the growth of hCG in the table by weeks of pregnancy.

Table 1: HCG by week of pregnancy from conception

Estimated age	Bottom line	Upper limit
Before conception	0	5
Controversial result	5,2	25,5
1 – 2	50	480
3 – 4	1 500	4850
5	11 000	31 000
6	25 000	98 000
7	32 500	152 000
8	37 300	235 000
9	35 500	152 000
10	32 000	135 000
11	29 000	123 000
12	27 500	110 000
13	24 300	100 500
14	22 300	90 500
15	20 000	81 000
16	18 500	80 100
Up to 21	5 200	73 300

There is another calculation system - by the days of the cycle from the moment of ovulation.

Table 2: The rate of hCG during pregnancy by day

Day from fertilization	Acceptable limits	Day from fertilization	Acceptable limits
7th (embryo attachment period)	2,1 – 10	25th	2400,1 – 9800
8th	3,1 – 18	26th	4200,1 – 15600
9th	5,1 – 21	27th	5400,1 – 19500
10th	8,1 – 26	28th	7100,1 – 27300
11th	11,1 – 45	29th	8800,1 – 33000
12th	17,1 – 65	30th	10500,1 – 40000
13th	25,1 – 105	31st	11500,1 – 60000
14th	29,1 – 170	32nd	12800,1 – 63000
15th	39,1 – 240	33rd	14000,1 – 68000
16th	68,1 – 400	34th	15500,1 – 7000
17th	120,1 – 580	35th	17000,1 – 74000
18th	220,1 – 840	36th	19000,1 – 78000
19th	370,1 – 1300	37th	20500,1 – 83000
20th	520,1 – 2000	38th	22000,1 – 87000
21st	750,1 – 3100	39th	23000,1 – 93000
22nd	1050,1 – 4900	40th	25000,1 – 100000
23rd	1400,1 – 6200	41st	26500,1 – 117000
24th	1850,1 – 7800	42nd	28000,1 – 130000

The described rate for ovulation days shows the upper and lower limits, based on the average menstrual cycle.

HCG changes with genetic abnormalities

Gonadotropin is a kind of marker of genetic and anatomical abnormalities in fetal development.

• an almost two-fold excess of the norm may indicate the risk of Down's syndrome;
• a persistently low level of gonadotropin - a suspicion of Edwards or Patau syndrome;
• subtle dynamics may indicate the development of Turner syndrome.

The inconsistency of indicators with the timing of pregnancy is recorded with the formation of heart defects or underdevelopment of the neural tube in the embryo.

Attention! The hCG indicator only raises suspicion of possible development anomalies. To establish the fact of a genetic disorder, an additional examination is prescribed.

Reducing hCG naturally

The peak of blood saturation with gonadotropin is observed at - e, after which there is a slight uniform decrease to about. The period of stabilization of the level lasts up to 40 weeks, until the moment of resolution. After a week - one and a half after childbirth, the concentration of hCG returns to the normal level inherent before the pregnant state.

In some cases, a sharp jump in the tested hormone is observed in the third trimester, and is considered as a result of the occurrence of pathological conditions, for example.

A woman can check blood for hCG on her own for which a doctor's referral is not needed. But only a specialist is able to correctly interpret the result with a positive answer. The tables are presented for your reference.

Actual video

Preparation for the analysis for hCG during pregnancy and decoding

- a special hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin. It belongs to the gonadotropins and is an indicator of the onset of pregnancy. It is practically absent in the human body. Its presence in large quantities indicates only two things: about the onset of pregnancy or the presence of a threat of the development of cancer.

This is due to the fact that only certain types of cancer cells and changes in the body that occur during fetal development are capable of provoking an increase in hormones.The analysis for hCG is most often taken by women in order to establish pregnancy, since at the initial stage, special tests cannot determine the presence of such changes.

HCG is a special hormone that is produced during pregnancy

Human gonadotropin is synthesized by chorion after the egg is fixed to the wall of the uterus. This state of the body is observed almost immediately after fertilization. Therefore, the analysis is not considered the most reliable indicator of the onset of pregnancy, even in the early stages.

But hCG is not only measured to establish pregnancy. The analysis is assigned to women in the second and third trimesters. This is due to the fact that the indicators change throughout the gestation periods and each week has its own specific indicators.

The hormone contains alpha and beta particles.

Only beta particles have a unique structure. A laboratory study can be carried out already on the second or third day of the delay, and the main indicator will be the beta particles of the hormone. Less than two weeks after the perfect conception, the rates will already be increased. At the same time, at this time, various tests cannot show the correct result. For reliability, it is carried out.

Rapid tests are also based on detecting the level of hCG. But they determine the content of the hormone not in the blood, but in the urine, where their concentration is much lower. That is why this method in the early stages may show an incorrect result.

When is it prescribed and what kind of analysis is taken for hCG

Conventional home pregnancy tests may give different results depending on the sensitivity of the routine pregnancy test. The most expensive ones can show the correct result even before the onset of the delay, but provided that the conception occurred more than 10 days before the onset of menstruation. All of them are also based on identifying the level of hCG.

But, according to statistics, such tests most often show a false negative or false positive result. According to experts, the probability of error is only 1%. At the same time, the erroneous indicators clearly exceed the stated percentage by several times. That is why you should not rely on the result shown by such a rapid test. In order to make sure of the reliability, it is necessary to donate blood for hCG.

The most reliable is a blood test, where the level of the hormone is established. It must be taken on an empty stomach in the morning at least 5 days after the intended conception. This is due to the fact that the content in the body begins to gradually increase only after the ovum is fixed on the wall of the uterus and begins to develop. Immediately after sexual intercourse or from the beginning of ovulation, the analysis will be ineffective.

The fertilized egg goes a long way through the fallopian tubes before it takes hold. That is why a woman can become pregnant in the middle of the cycle, at the time of ovulation. After the ovum is fixed, the level of hCG increases daily, and the indicators significantly exceed the norm. This condition is not a deviation, but a natural process. After birth, he returns to normal.Therefore, the analysis of hCG is prescribed 3-5 days after the perfect conception or the onset of a delay. Determination of the content of hormones is the most reliable study for establishing pregnancy.

Preparation and course of the procedure

In order for the indicators to be reliable, experts recommend following a number of recommendations. These include:

1. Donate blood only in the morning.
2. Do not eat before donating blood.
3. To completely exclude physical activity and sexual intercourse per day.
4. The day before donating blood, you do not need to take spicy or fatty foods.
5. The attending physician must be notified in cases where the patient is taking certain medications.

The procedure for taking blood through a vein is painless and takes a few minutes. The doctor first applies a tourniquet and asks the patient to unclench and clench his fist several times. Then he inserts a needle into the vein and removes the tourniquet.

The material is sent to the laboratory, where research is carried out using various chemicals. The test results can be transferred to the patient's hands or to the attending physician 2-4 days after the test.

The rate of hCG in women, men and during pregnancy

In men and women in the absence of cancer, chorionic gonadotropin is practically absent. The norm is considered to be an indicator from 0 to 5 IU. In this case, the patient's condition is considered satisfactory, and there are no pathological changes in the cell structure.

A deviation from the norm indicates that various transformations have begun in the body. The analysis for hCG is prescribed not only to women to establish pregnancy. Men also donate blood to determine the level of the hormone in order to determine the presence of prostate adenoma. In this case, the analysis allows you to identify the hormone contained in the urine. The study helps to establish the onset of the development of pathology even before the onset of symptoms.After fixing the egg to the wall of the uterus, the chorion begins to synthesize gonadotropin at a rapid pace.

Every two days during the first trimester, the hCG level doubles.

Then, after reaching a peak at 7-10 weeks, the indicator slowly decreases. During the second trimester, it does not change significantly. That is why the hCG indicator is the most reliable method for detecting the presence of abnormalities in the development of the fetus. The indicator for 14-18 weeks is especially important.

Pregnancy period (in weeks)	HCG level (IU)
1-2	25-300
2-3	1500-5000
3-4	10000-30000
4-5	20000-100000
5-6	50000-200000
6-7	50000-200000
7-8	20000-200000
8-9	20000-100000
9-11	20000-95000
11-13	20000-90000
13-15	15000-60000
15-26	10000-35000
26-37	10000-60000

The main indications for a test for human chorionic gonadotropin:

• early diagnosis of pregnancy - a reliable result can be obtained within a week after the expected date of fertilization;
• suspicion of an ectopic pregnancy;
• as part of tests to identify possible pathologies of fetal development;
• abortive procedures (a blood test for hCG helps to track the fact of complete removal of the ovum);
• suspicion of an oncological process in the body of not only women, but also men.

On a note! The reliability of the hCG test in the diagnosis of early pregnancy is 98%.

Types of laboratory diagnostics

The hCG hormone molecule is a dimer based on a- and b-subparticles. A-part is related to the structure of luteotropic and thyroid stimulating hormone the pituitary gland, and the second is unique. Therefore, for medical diagnostics, 2 types of analysis are used:

• total hCG;
• specific b-hCG.

The general level of the hormone is used in a blood test for pregnancy - an increased hCG in this case confirms the fact of conception as early as 6-8 days after fertilization of the egg. At the first time after the fusion of germ cells, the concentration of beta particles is too low for accurate diagnosis, but the total amount of hormone fractions is quite enough for accurate analysis. In the second trimester, the level of total hCG is analyzed as part of prenatal screening during triple and quadruple tests.

Free b-hCG

B-hCG is used for pregnancy control. The first b-particles appear in the blood plasma one week after fertilization of the egg, and doubles every 48 hours, reaching a maximum by 7-11 weeks. During this period, with the help of a hormone (I and II trimesters), the quality of egg implantation is checked, followed by the formation of the “fetus-placenta” system, and screening for genetic diseases of the embryo is done.

In addition, the level of specific beta particles helps to identify hormone-dependent tumors, namely:

• trophoblastic neoplasms in women - cystic drift, choriocarcinoma;
• embryonic tumors in men and women - teratomas, seminomas;
• neoplasms of other tissues and organs - lymphomas, neoplasia of the lung tissue, cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.

It is interesting! With regard to hCG, scientists are still solving the chicken-or-egg riddle. There is no consensus on what is primary: a high level of chorionic gonadotropin caused the appearance of oncological diseases or the appearance of a tumor led to an increase in the hormone. Therefore, in many Western countries, the over-the-counter sale of products that contain this substance is prohibited.

Study preparation rules

For analysis, venous blood taken on an empty stomach is used. When preparing for the procedure, try to adhere to the following requirements:

• For a few days, if possible, stop taking hormonal drugs, especially those based on hCG.
• For 3 days, exclude alcohol consumption, limit the amount of smoked, fatty and spicy foods.
• Try to reduce your stress levels the day before the test; prescribe any other instrumental studies after the analysis for hCG.
• Avoid smoking a couple of hours before taking blood.
• Drink half a glass of pure non-carbonated water 20 minutes before the procedure.

On a note! Pregnancy test strips measure the level of hCG in your urine. But the sensitivity of such a rapid test is much lower - reliable results are possible only a few days after the menstruation that did not take place on the schedule.

Reference indicators

The level of the norm is different and depends on gender, age and functional state of the body:

• In young non-pregnant women, the rate of total hCG should not exceed 5 mU / ml.
• In older women, during menopause and after, the minimum indicator can be increased to 9 mU / ml.
• In healthy active men, the maximum limit of values ​​is 2.5 mU / ml.
• In a normal singleton pregnancy, the level of the hormone increases every 2 days by 2 times, and reaches its peak values ​​by about the beginning of the 3rd month. After that, the values ​​begin to decrease smoothly. The initial level of 5 mU / ml is restored 3-5 days after delivery.

HCG blood test: which means an increase in the level in non-pregnant

A critical level of 5-10 mU / ml may indicate a precancerous condition. Higher values ​​are a sign of a clear tumor process:

• embryonic neoplasms of the gonads in children and adults (teratomas, seminomas);
• hormone-dependent tumors of organs outside the reproductive system (lungs, digestive tract organs).

A constant increase in the level of the hormone indicates the growth of the neoplasm and / or the presence of metastases.

The reasons for the increase in pregnant women

A natural excess of reference values ​​for pregnant women may be the result of:

• multiple pregnancy- This is due to a multiple increase in the volume of trophoblastic tissue producing hCG;
• individual characteristics of the female cycle.

In all other cases, exceeding the values ​​indicates the presence of a pathological process. Among them:

• first trimester toxicosis;
• gestosis (late toxicosis);
• the risk of chromosomal abnormalities of the fetus;
• trophoblastic diseases - cystic drift or choriocarcinoma; in this case, the fetus dies in the early stages of development, and its place is replaced by pathologically expanded trophoblastic tissue; a characteristic sign is the absence of a decrease in hCG after 10-11 weeks.

What will the hCG decrease tell about?

A decrease in hormone levels during pregnancy causes the immune system to be aggressive towards the tissues of the fetus. Chorionic gonadotropin adapts the female body to the antigenic composition of the new embryo and prevents its rejection during implantation. Falling choriotropic gonadotropin levels pose a high risk and may contribute to:

• ectopic embryo implantation;
• miscarriage or fetal death;
• frozen pregnancy, when the fetus stops developing, stops growing and subsequently dies;
• disruption of the "fetus-placenta" system;
• true prolongation (pregnancy lasts more than 42 weeks).

False positive analysis

The analysis is highly accurate, but the error may be associated with third-party pathological processes or hormonal abnormalities.

A false positive result is possible in the following cases:

• internal hormonal disruptions;
• taking hCG-based drugs;
• undiagnosed cancers.

False negative results can occur with late ovulation, ectopic implantation, frozen pregnancy.

Danger of abnormalities for the fetus

HCG is the most sensitive marker for trisomy on chromosome 21, therefore, an increase in chorionic gonadotropin by 2 or more times automatically puts a pregnant woman at risk of developing Down syndrome in the fetus. A similar increase in the hormone is observed in the syndromes of Edwards, Turner, Patau, as well as in pathologies of the development of the heart and nervous system.

Attention! In 4-5% of pregnant women, the level of hCG shows the presence of possible deviations, but only in 0.1-0.2% of cases a child with genetic abnormalities is born. The analysis data is just an excuse for further examination.

A blood test can detect hCG in the male body and in women without pregnancy. This usually indicates the development of a hormone-dependent tumor, when the primary oncological focus itself secretes hCG (ectopic production). Normally, it should not be.

general information

Along with folliculotropin and luteotropin, hCG belongs to gonadotropins. These are substances produced by the anterior pituitary lobe (adenohypophysis). It differs from FSH and LH in the amino acid sequence.

According to its chemical structure, hCG is a protein consisting of two components: an alpha subunit and a beta subunit. The α-subunit is present in follicle-stimulating hormone, luteotropic hormone and thyrotropin, and the β-subunit is unique and is characteristic only of hCG. It is to the presence of this unit that urine tests react to determine pregnancy.

Functions of human chorionic gonadotropin:

1. It has the biological properties of LH and FSH with a predominance of luteinizing activity, which significantly exceeds the activity of the luteotropin itself, synthesized by the pituitary gland.
2. Placenta production a large number HCG during pregnancy maintains the functionality of the corpus luteum, preventing it from dissolving until 10-12 weeks. After that, the placenta independently produces estrogen and the hormone of pregnancy - progesterone, which is produced a lot under the influence of hCG.
3. Stimulation of the follicular apparatus of the gonads, synthesizing gonadosteroids (weak androgens - male steroids and estrogens).
4. Improving the work of the placenta, its trophism, an increase in the number of chorionic villi.
5. Increasing the production of glucocorticoids by the adrenal cortex, thereby activating functional glandular hyperplasia during pregnancy. This ability of hCG stimulates adaptation mechanisms for pregnancy, which is stressful for the woman's body.
6. Providing physiological immunosuppression (suppression of immunity), which is necessary so that the mother's body during pregnancy does not reject the embryo and allow it to develop normally. Apart from hCG, other gonadotropes do not have this property.

If a woman is injected with synthetic hCG in the middle of the menstrual cycle, then the production of steroids will increase, ovulation will occur, and then corpus luteum(luteinization), the function of which will be supported in the future.

Exogenous hCG for men is the stimulation of spermatogenesis and androgen synthesis.

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Diagnostic indications

The need for an analysis for hCG appears in the following cases:

• amenorrhea that has arisen for the first time;
• establishment of pregnancy after in vitro fertilization;
• delay of menstruation;
• signs of ectopic embryo implantation;
• high risks of intrauterine fetal death;
• risk of miscarriage;
• monitoring the course of pregnancy;
• identification of deviations in the anatomy and genetics of the child;
• after diagnostic curettage or abortion, to make sure that the fertilized egg has come out completely;
• suspicion of a volumetric process.

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Determination methods

The most common and affordable option for detecting pregnancy is rapid tests. All of them are based on the occurrence of a reaction of the strips to hCG contained in the urine of a pregnant woman. This test is not as effective as a blood test, but when performed correctly, it gives accurate results in the vast majority of cases.

The egg is fertilized after ovulation (release from the dominant follicle), which occurs around the middle of the cycle. The fertilized gamete moves along the fallopian tubes to the uterus in 5-7 days. Having descended into the uterine cavity, it is implanted into the endometrium. After successful attachment, hCG begins to be synthesized.

The most sensitive are strip strips, consisting of two bands, one of which is impregnated with antibodies to hCG. The first time you can do the analysis 8-11 days after unprotected intimate contact. The absence of pregnancy is indicated by the staining of one strip, the presence of both. It is necessary to follow the instructions step by step, then the accuracy of the analysis will be up to 91%, with inexperienced use - up to 75%. Otherwise, you may receive false information.

If the woman is healthy, then express stripes clearly show pregnancy already at the time of the five-day delay. The value must be greater than 25 mIU / ml. Some tests are much more sensitive and respond to the minimum hCG levels during pregnancy - 10 mIU / L. Inaccuracy may be due to the fact that too little hCG is produced in the early stages of gestation. The analysis is best done in the morning, when the highest concentration of hCG is observed. On the eve, you can not take diuretics and drink a lot. Before using the system, be sure to check its expiration date.

Some healthcare professionals claim that test strips are ineffective and should not be used. But supersensitive systems give good results. This does not mean that a consultation with a gynecologist is not needed, nothing can replace it.

Possible reasons incorrect test results:

False positive in the absence of pregnancy	False negative if there is a pregnancy
Hormone therapy	Menstrual irregularities, inconstancy of regulation
Diseases, neoplasms in the reproductive sphere	Analyzes were performed ahead of schedule
Self-termination of pregnancy	Diseases that prevent the excretion of hCG in urine
Little time has passed since the abortion for testing.	A lot of fluids or medications with a diuretic effect were taken before the test
	Instructions were not followed, test system expired

Laboratory research

The most reliable information about the fact of pregnancy can be obtained after passing an analysis for hCG, which is contained in the blood serum twice as much as in the urine. Therefore, even if the liquid is not tested at home, but in the laboratory, the effect will not be so significant.

Preparation includes:

• a light dinner can be eaten the night before;
• venous blood is taken on an empty stomach;
• do not smoke before tests;
• not physically overwhelmed;
• do not drink diuretics;
• warn the attending physician if any therapy, especially hormonal therapy, is being carried out at the time of the tests.

If it is known when approximately conception could have occurred, then the hCG test is submitted in a week. If in doubt, after 4-5 days of delayed menstrual flow. After 48 hours, the blood is taken again for reliability. Biomaterials for the establishment of pregnancy need to be handed over only in one laboratory, preferably at one morning (before 10 am). Later, the level of hCG decreases, so the interpretation of the indicators may be incorrect.

If the pregnancy is going well, then the next screening is done at 11-13 weeks. Then not only hCG is checked, but also follitropin and luteotropin. Triple screening at 16 weeks is needed for pregnant women at risk. AFP, estriol, hCG are being investigated.

Changes in the ratio and level of gonadotropins are used to assess the likelihood of chromosomal mutations. If necessary, to monitor the dynamics, analyzes are prescribed for 14-28 days with a five-day interval.

With a significant change in the hormonal status, suspicion of a cancerous tumor, an analysis for free hCG (beta unit) is shown. If pregnancy is not confirmed, then the presence of hCG in the blood indicates that there is a cancer focus in the body. If a pregnant woman has a chance of giving birth to a child with genetic abnormalities, then she is also tested for β-hCG.

The control mechanisms used in the laboratory make it possible to analyze the growth and decrease of hCG with maximum accuracy for compliance with the terms of pregnancy and the development of the fetus. It is extremely important to undergo tests on time as prescribed by a doctor. If this is done later, complications may arise and in the later stages it will be difficult to help preserve the health or life of the baby.

Standard values

If we talk about the norms of hCG, then they are not absolute, therefore, a wide range of numbers is given in the tables. It depends on how the pregnancy is going, whether there are risk factors, what is the mother's health before conception, the presence of diseases, age, psychophysiological state during pregnancy. Therefore, according to the analysis of hCG, gestational periods are not determined.

Chorionic gonadotropin is measured in international units per liter or in milli-international units per milliliter.

Weekly hCG rates:

Week of pregnancy	HCG range in IU / L

HCG values ​​by day during pregnancy:

The day after the release of the egg from the follicle	HCG range and average numbers	Pregnancy day	Interval from minimum to maximum
			2400-9800 (6150)
			4200-15600 (8160)
			5400-19500 (10200)
			7100-27300 (11300)
			8800-33000 (13600)
			10500-40000 (16500)
			11500-60000 (19500)
			12800-63000 (22600)
			14000-68000 (24000)
			15500-70000 (27200)
			17000-74000 (31000)
			19000-78000 (36000)
			20500-83000 (39500)
			22000-87000 (45000)
			23000-93000 (51000)
	1050-4900 (2680)		25000-108000 (58000)
	1400-6200 (3550)		26500-117000 (62000)
	1830-7800 (6550)		28000-128000 (65000)

Having received the test results, you do not need to worry if hCG goes beyond the normal range in any direction. For every woman, the concentration is individual and differs on different dates.

Sometimes the difference can be up to 1000 IU / L and is considered a norm for one pregnant woman, for another - a risk criterion, for a third - a pathology. Therefore, only a doctor interprets analyzes.

Decryption

Each laboratory uses its own scale when analyzing for hCG, therefore, before the examination, it is necessary to clarify the norms. The speed of calculations depends on the quality of the reagents used, laboratory equipment, and the qualifications of the laboratory assistant. Not all medical facilities have centrifuges for enzyme immunoassay and send material to another clinic, so the response can be delayed. Some diagnostic departments have equipment that makes it possible to determine hCG within 1-3 hours and clarify whether there is a pregnancy or not. The average waiting time for a response is 1-3 days, maximum - 7.

The competent physician interprets the analysis. He gives the patient an official form with his signature, stamp of the diagnostician and the medical center. The document usually indicates the normal values ​​of hCG and obtained. They can be compared with each other and understand whether there is a pregnancy. But it is still recommended to consult a doctor to hear professional opinion.

You can get a printout of the documentation on the clinic's website in your personal account. This is a very convenient option, especially if the hospital is far from home.

Perhaps, according to the analyzes, additional examination will be required, depending on the tasks. The doctor will not do anything if the diagnostic results are dubious. If you need to clarify the fact of pregnancy, then ultrasonography is performed. If the pregnancy is well established, but chromosomal mutations are suspected, then genetic screening will be needed. Usually, pathology is suspected if there is a 20 percent difference from the average. Then the situation is resolved individually. If hCG meets the standards, then most likely the pregnancy is going well and there are no problems with the health of the fetus and mother.

The accuracy of laboratory tests for pregnancy is 94-99%. Failures can be due to human factors or if the woman has not prepared correctly.

In clinics where experienced laboratory assistants work and high-quality equipment is used, the probability of error on the part of the staff is reduced to almost zero. In case of unforeseen moments, they will be asked to retake the analysis or additionally do an ultrasound.

Deviations

HCG variability can mean different conditions when indicated:

Understated	Overpriced
Ectopic pregnancy	Wrong definition of gestational timing
Incorrectly set deadline	Multiple pregnancies - twins, triplets, especially fraternal ones. Heterozygous twins have their own placenta, each of which strenuously secretes a hormone
The fetus is delayed in development	Chromosomal mutations (the likelihood of Edwards Syndrome is high). If the hormone grows in the II trimester, then Down's Syndrome is possible
Risk of miscarriage	Diabetes at future mother
Placental insufficiency
Non-developing pregnancy	Taking synthetic progesterone
Rescheduling	Early toxicosis
Intrauterine death of a child
After in vitro fertilization, conception did not occur or the embryo did not take root

Sometimes pregnancy may not develop, but cystic drift occurs - the growth of chorionic villi in the form of bubbles with liquid contents. In this case, chorionic gonadotropin also increases, which can be mistaken for the presence of pregnancy. In this case, the patient must undergo ultrasonography and other studies that allow an adequate diagnosis and elimination of the skid, since it can transform into a malignant tumor if treatment is not carried out on time.

HCG increased after surgical abortion and childbirth for a week.

With an elevated hCG, if pregnancy is completely excluded, the patient is examined for cancer. There may be a cancerous lesion of the respiratory system, digestion, reproduction, urinary system. In men, testicular cancer. Also, up to 14 IU / L, gonadotropin can increase in women with menopause. But at childbearing age, this should not be.

Thanks to our own laboratory with high-tech equipment and qualified medical staff, you do not have to wait long for a response. We can do both a hCG study and any diagnostics required during pregnancy. The diagnostician will not only decipher the analyzes, but if necessary, you can immediately consult a gynecologist, endocrinologist, therapist.

If pregnancy does not occur for a long time, and the delay is caused by other reasons, you can get advice from a geneticist, reproductologist, do genetic screening, find out the factors that do not occur, and undergo correction. To sign up for the procedure, fill out the online application or call. The manager will clarify the questions of interest, specify the cost of services.

Every person is interested in objective results. To get them, you need to choose a reliable clinic with a good reputation. The reproductive center "AltraVita" provides reliable diagnostic information.

HCG index during early pregnancy: low, high. What does the decrease in the level indicate?

What else does low hCG say? It is not excluded. This means the following: fertilization took place, but for some reason the body recognized the fetus as unviable and rejected it even before the delay in menstruation. A woman, most often, does not even suspect that she is ripe new life... True, in some women, in this case, menstruation somewhat changes its character (due to the onset and failed implantation):

• discharge becomes profuse;
• there is soreness in the lower abdomen;
• discharge takes a little longer than usual.

There is no need to regret the termination of such a pregnancy: the body was able to recognize the defects of the future fetus that are incompatible with life and eliminated everything without consequences for the life and health of the mother.

Decreased hCG in early pregnancy

Unfavorable sign - decrease hCG indicator up to 11 weeks. HCG drops in early pregnancy for reasons:

• incipient miscarriage;
• violations of the blood supply to the fetus.

If hCG is more than half the norm, this is a reason to observe a woman for a week. If there are signs of a spontaneous abortion that has begun, the woman is placed in a hospital for conservation.

Elevated hCG during early pregnancy

It would seem that increased hCG during early pregnancy is a good thing. The fetus has successfully established itself, the hormone is actively secreted, it increases rapidly - everything is fine. Indeed, more often than not, the body can increase hormone levels during pregnancy with twins or triplets. In this case, if multiple pregnancy is confirmed by ultrasound, the woman can rejoice - a physiological increase.

But large hCG also occurs in other circumstances:

• the development of tumors (including malignant);
• Down syndrome in a developing fetus;
• other developmental anomalies - in particular, neural tube defects;
• cystic drift.

What level of hCG is considered really high - in each specific situation you need to ask your doctor. It is unacceptable to diagnose yourself on your own.

It is imperative to track hCG over time, since this hormone is a marker of normal, progressive pregnancy. If you want to make sure that everything is in order, periodically get tested before 11 weeks, and then you will have much less reason to worry. And if the mother is calm, everything will be fine with the child too.

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