Hcg 2.2 what does it mean. What is hcg and its norm during pregnancy

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), also known as the “pregnancy hormone,” is a hormone that is produced by cells in the placenta during pregnancy. The hormone can be detected in the blood and urine of a pregnant woman and is the basis of many pregnancy tests.

What is HCG?

hCG(Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) or simply HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is the so-called “pregnancy hormone”. The hCG hormone is produced by the cells of the chorion (the membrane of the embryo) immediately after it attaches to the wall of the uterus.

That is, the presence of chorionic tissue in the body means the onset of pregnancy in a woman. But sometimes an increase in the concentration of hCG may not indicate the onset of pregnancy, but the presence of a tumor in the body. By the level of hCG in the body, one can judge the presence of a multiple pregnancy, as well as the nature of the course of pregnancy.

The most important function of hCG is to maintain pregnancy. In the first trimester, hCG plays an important role in stimulating the production of hormones that are necessary for the development and maintenance of pregnancy, such as progesterone and estrogens.

Another important task of hCG is to maintain the viability of the corpus luteum and stimulate ovulation.

HCG consists of two subunits - α (alpha) and β (beta). The alpha component has the same structure as the alpha component, FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone), and the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (b-hCG) is unique. Therefore, the presence of hCG in the blood (or urine) is determined precisely by this beta subunit (hence the term “b-hCG”).

An analysis for hCG is prescribed in the following situations:

among women

• diagnosis of early pregnancy;
• follow-up of pregnancy in dynamics;
• detection of amenorrhea;
• exclusion of ectopic pregnancy;
• assessment of the completeness of induced abortion;
• with the threat of miscarriage;
• suspicion of non-developing pregnancy;
• diagnosis of tumors;

in men

• diagnosis of testicular tumors.

Total hCG during pregnancy

Synonyms: HCG, hCG, b-hCG, beta-hCG, total b-hCG, human chorionic gonadotropin, Human Chorionic gonadotropin, HCG, total b-HCG, b-HCG, beta HCG.

A blood test for b-hCG is the most reliable method for determining pregnancy in the early stages. The hCG hormone appears in the female body from 6–8 days after fertilization. But it is better to take the analysis no earlier than the first day of the delay in menstruation, so that the concentration of hCG is already sufficient to confirm pregnancy.

Pregnancy can also be determined using home rapid tests based on the determination of human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine. But in the urine, the required level of this hormone is reached a few days later than in the blood.

In a normal pregnancy, the level of hCG in the blood doubles approximately every 2 days and reaches its maximum concentration at 10-11 weeks of pregnancy, after which it begins to slowly decrease. With multiple pregnancies, the level of the hCG hormone rises in proportion to the number of fetuses.

Free beta hCG during pregnancy

Synonyms: free beta hCG, free hCG, free hCG, free beta hCG, free beta hCG, free HCG, free beta HCG, fb-HCG, free Human Chorionic gonadotropin.

Free b-hCG is used for early prenatal diagnosis of congenital fetal pathologies (I and II trimesters).

In the first trimester of pregnancy, from weeks 10 to 14 (optimally, at weeks 11-13), the so-called “double test” is performed, which, in addition to free b-hCG, also includes the definition of PAPP-A (Pregnancy-associated Plasma Protein-A) - pregnancy-associated plasma protein A. In parallel, it is also necessary to do an ultrasound scan.

In the II trimester (16-18 weeks) a "triple test" is performed. Free b-hCG (or total hCG), AFP (alfafetoprotein) and free estriol (E3) are determined.

Deciphering the analysis for hCG during pregnancy

It must be borne in mind that different laboratories indicate different hCG, which depend not only on the units of measurement, but also on the sensitivity of the methods used to determine the level of hCG. Therefore, when evaluating the results of the analysis it is necessary to rely only on the norms of the laboratory where the analysis was made.

To determine the dynamics of hCG, the analysis must also be taken in the same laboratory, because it is not entirely correct to compare the results of different laboratories.

In the results, free beta-hCG is indicated not only in conventional units, but also in the MoM coefficient. This is done so that it is convenient for doctors to evaluate the results of the tests, since the MoM norm for all biochemical markers is the same - from 0.5 to 2 (for a singleton pregnancy).

Each woman during pregnancy, the level of hCG can change in its own way. One specific result is not indicative, it is necessary to consider the level of hCG in dynamics.

In most cases, if the hCG level is below 5 mU / ml, then it is considered that there is no pregnancy. If the hCG level is above 25 mU / ml, it can be assumed that pregnancy has occurred.

Increasing hCG levels during pregnancy can occur with multiple pregnancies (the level of hCG increases in proportion to the number of fetuses), an incorrectly set gestational age, with early toxicosis of pregnant women, and diabetes mellitus in the mother. An increase in hCG in the results is one of the signs of Down syndrome (but only in combination with deviations of other markers). In late pregnancy, a high level of hCG may indicate overmaturity.

Low hCG levels during pregnancy usually signals problems with gestation. If hCG has stopped rising, then most often this indicates a frozen or ectopic pregnancy. With a decrease in the level of the hormone by more than 50% of the normative value, there is a threat of spontaneous abortion. Also, low hCG can be a sign of chronic placental insufficiency, true pregnancy overshoot, fetal death (in the II-III trimesters).

But not always a low level of hCG during pregnancy indicates problems. For example, the gestational age (the number of completed weeks of pregnancy from the first to the last menstrual period) may be incorrectly set due to late ovulation or incorrect data on the menstrual cycle provided by the mother.

Sometimes found increased hCG hormone in non-pregnant women and men. Such a result can be when taking medications containing hCG after an abortion (usually within a week), and can also occur with chorionic carcinoma, hydatidiform mole and their relapses, with neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, uterus and other organs , with tumors of the testicles.

HCG units

Laboratories may indicate the results of an analysis for hCG during pregnancy in different units of measurement, for example, mIU / ml, mU / ml, mIU / ml, ng / ml and others.

Usually the level of hCG is measured in special units - mIU/ml- milli international units in 1 milliliter (in international designation - mIU/ml– milli-international units per millimeter).

honey/ml means the same as mIU / ml, only U is just units, and IU is international. That is, 1 mU / ml \u003d 1 mmU / ml.

ng/ml (ng/ml) are nanograms per milliliter.

1 ng/ml * 21.28 = 1 mU/l

The most important indicator of a successful pregnancy is hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin. A special table of hCG by weeks of pregnancy allows you to control the proportional relationship between the age of the embryo and the level of its hormonal levels.

Outside of pregnancy, this hormone is not produced. Cases of the appearance of hCG in men and women indicate the beginning of hormone-producing processes, that is, the formation of various types of tumors.

The main task of a qualitative laboratory analysis is to determine the hormonal β-subunit and compare it with the general table of hCG norms.

HCG level during pregnancy (table of hCG norms)

It is difficult to overestimate the enormous role that chorionic gonadotropin plays in the body of a pregnant woman. This hormone, produced by a fertilized egg, determines all the necessary vital processes for the normal course of pregnancy, prevents the regression of the corpus luteum, and enhances the hormonal synthesis of progesterone and estrogen.

If we analyze the hCG table by day of the week, we can see that chorionic gonadotropin in the blood plasma is determined already on the 9th day after ovulation, at the very moment when the fertilized egg is introduced into the endometrium. Every two days, during the normal course of pregnancy, the concentration of hCG constantly doubles, reaching its maximum value of 50,000-250,000 mU / l. This happens at 8-10 weeks of pregnancy after the start of the last menstruation in women. Analyzing the summary table of hCG during pregnancy, you can see that the level of chorionic gonadotropin in the blood plasma begins to decrease sharply after the specified period, and later, after 18-20 weeks, the hCG readings remain stable until the end of pregnancy.

Each woman can determine in laboratory tests and compare her performance with the norm, focusing on the general table of hCG during pregnancy, which indicates tolerant values. If there are any deviations from the norm, then attention should be paid to this.

HCG during pregnancy (norm by week, table):

Pregnancy, week by week	Mean value, mU/ml	Max and min limits, mU/ml

For convenience, in the hCG table for weeks of pregnancy, the average value is displayed, which should be paid attention to during the next test for the detection of human chorionic gonadotropin.

What determines the level of hCG in blood plasma?

There are various reasons on which the reduced or increased level of chorionic gonadotropin in the blood plasma of a pregnant woman depends. So, the reasons for the increased level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) may be as follows:

• the adoption of chorionic gonadotropin as a therapeutic pharmacological agent;
• high blood sugar, or diabetes;
• multiple pregnancy;
• various pathologies associated with genetic engineering by chromosomal composition;
• problems with the development of trophoblast cells, causing various kinds of neoplasms.

A decrease in the level of hCG concentration can occur for various reasons:

• chromosomal abnormalities and defects in the development of the embryo (fetus);
• ectopic or ectopic pregnancy;
• intrauterine or antenatal fetal death;
• missed pregnancy and other causal factors.

Artificial or in vitro fertilization (IVF)

If a couple is unable to naturally conceive a child, there is an IVF method or in vitro fertilization. This method, due to various reasons associated with dysfunctions of the reproductive organs, is increasingly used in modern life. The essence of the method is to extract the egg from the female body, fertilize it with a sperm outside the natural environment by chemical and biological laboratory manipulations. Subsequently, the resulting embryo is placed in the uterus, where it continues its development. An important point is the control of the survival of the embryo. The hCG table after the transfer of embryos into the female body allows you to track the dynamics of successful fertilization by day in terms of all biological indicators of the state of the embryo in the uterine cavity.

Below is a table of hCG after IVF, reflecting the hormonal increase in terms of pregnancy after artificial insemination is normal:

Pregnancy from conception (by day)	Optimal level (max, min) hCG, mU/ml.
	from 25 to 156
	from 101 to 4870
	from 1111 to 30500
	from 2500 to 82500
	from 23000 to 142000
	from 27500 to 235000
	from 21000 to 295000
	from 6000 to 105000
	from 4500 to 81000
	from 2500 to 80000

Determination of hCG in ectopic conception

If a fertilized egg does not enter the uterine cavity, it develops outside the uterine walls, more often in the fallopian tube, which is the connecting anatomical link between the smooth muscle hollow organ (uterus) and the abdominal cavity. This condition is called an ectopic pregnancy, which, due to the growth of the fetus in unnatural conditions, can lead to serious consequences, even death. However, even with an ectopic conception, the results of laboratory testing determine the chorionic gonadotropin in the blood plasma.

An alarming signal is a significant increase in the β-subunit, which exceeds the norm by 2-2.5 times in the first week of pregnancy. Therefore, the detection of ectopic conception at an early stage is very important for the female body.

However, determining the symptomatic signs of pregnancy outside the uterine cavity in the initial phase is not an easy task, which depends on many individual physiological parameters. Let's define the symptoms that most often occur in women with an ectopic conception:

• pain in the lower abdomen, which is pulling in nature;
• constant nausea and dizziness;
• gagging;
• increase in body temperature.

However, the main alarm signal is scant spotting, which is an unnatural indicator of a suspected pregnancy. For a more detailed definition of an ectopic pregnancy, an urgent appeal to the antenatal clinic is necessary, where an abnormal condition can be accurately determined using ultrasound scanning.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is one of the types of sex hormones of protein origin, which is produced with pronounced changes in the human reproductive system.

The substance is found in both male and female bodies. Depending on gender, the site of synthesis is the placenta or the pituitary lobes of men. Causes can be pregnancy, tumors, cysts of the epididymis and prostate.

Normal levels of hCG

For men, the natural level of the content of the chorionic hormone is the range of 0-5mU / ml. This concentration is considered optimal, which allows us to speak with confidence about satisfactory human health.

For non-pregnant women of childbearing age, the presence in the blood of no more than 5 mU / ml is considered the norm. substances. The onset of menopause increases this bar to 9 mU / ml.

Attention! The presence in the body of hCG more than 5mU / ml. (in the absence of pregnancy) indicates the development of pathological processes. This is a serious reason to see a doctor!

During pregnancy, hCG is determined 7-10 days after the onset of fertilization. The indicator constantly increases throughout the first trimester, the peak falls on the 10-11th week of embryo development. In this case, the normal level of human chorionic gonadotropin corresponds to the following data:

• 1-2 weeks - 25-200 honey / ml.
• 2-3 weeks - 102-5000 mU / ml.
• 3-4 weeks – up to 30000 mU/ml.
• 4-5 weeks – 2500-82000 honey/ml.
• 5-6 weeks - 23000-150000 honey / ml.
• 6-7 weeks – up to 200000 mU/ml.
• 7-10 weeks - up to 300,000 mU / ml.
• 11-15 weeks – 6000-103000 honey/ml.
• 16-20 weeks – up to 80000 mU/ml.
• 21-39 weeks – 2685–78075 mU/ml.

Important! When diagnosing in different laboratories, the data may differ. Therefore, it is necessary to be guided by the rating scales used by medical personnel at the place of testing.

Interpretation of the analysis for the level of hCG

Interpretation of the survey results consists in reconciling the obtained readings with the normative ones and establishing the possible causes of deviations.

The low value of hCG in the blood is an alarming symptom only for women who are carrying a child. For all other categories of patients, it does not pose any danger.

Seriously, it is worth taking the increased value of the substance. The critical level is a mark of more than 10 mU / ml. In such quantity, it acts as a tumor marker and is regarded as evidence of the occurrence of oncological neoplasms.

Diseases in which the proportion of hCG in blood plasma increases in men and non-pregnant women:

• A benign or malignant tumor (teratoma, seminoma), the localization of which is the patient's testicles or uterus.
• Oncological processes in the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, genitourinary system.
• Cancers in the respiratory system.
• A continuous increase in the content of chorionic hormone is a real sign of the spread of tumor cells to neighboring internal organs.

When taking medications containing hCG, blood levels are also exceeded.

Attention! Analysis and correct interpretation of diagnostic studies is entirely the competence of your attending physician. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment are unacceptable. Exceeding the level of hCG cannot be a 100% basis for oncological diseases. To clarify the entire clinical picture, laboratory parameters must be considered in conjunction with other diagnostic methods.

HCG analysis and interpretation of results in pregnant women

Common pregnancy tests, which are sold in every pharmacy, reveal the fact of fertilization only after a delay in the menstrual cycle. While a blood test for hCG allows you to verify conception at an earlier date.

The hormone itself consists of 2 constituent units - alpha and beta particles. Beta-hCG is responsible for determining the “interesting position”.

For the correct interpretation of the data, it is necessary to compare the results of the survey with the standards characteristic of this period of pregnancy. With deviations up or down, the doctor will prescribe additional studies.

The reasons for the increase in the content of this hormone in the blood of women can be:

1. The likelihood of developing multiple (two or more fetuses) pregnancy.
2. Pathology and anomalies of the fetus (genetic and chromosomal diseases, Down syndrome).
3. Diabetes mellitus in the mother.
4. Severe toxicosis in the early stages of pregnancy.
5. Cystic skid (trophoblastic disease resulting in uncontrolled growth of the outer germinal membrane).
6. Preeclampsia (a complication, the symptoms of which are swelling, hypertension, high protein content in the urine).
7. Incorrect statement of the gestational age (discrepancy between the set and the actual one).
8. Taking medicines, which include hCG (usually these are hormonal progestogens - Duphaston, Utrozhestan, Norkolut, etc.).
9. An atypically long pregnancy, without overcarrying the child (due to the individual properties of the female body, the duration of the cycle).

Possible signs of an abnormal decrease in hCG:

1. Ectopic pregnancy.
2. A frozen fetus.
3. Risk of miscarriage.
4. Intrauterine death of the embryo.
5. Overgrowth of the fetus.

Important! To exclude an ectopic pregnancy, which can threaten the health and life of a woman, with a low level of hCG, it is necessary to be examined by ultrasound.

Analysis options

In medical practice, 2 types of blood tests are common:

• General. This type of study is recommended for early detection of pregnancy. If the process proceeds without complications, then the concentration of hCG increases 2 times every 48 hours. The analysis is carried out in combination with prenatal screening - a complex of biochemical, ultrasound procedures aimed at establishing the risks of fetal pathologies.
• Free. It is prescribed in case of suspicion of tumor formation in the placental site. Another reason to visit the laboratory is oncological formations in the ovaries of women or the testicles of men.

Attention! If the result of the analysis for free hCG turned out to be positive, this is not a guarantee that the child has pathological disorders.

Rules for passing the analysis

Blood is taken from a vein. Enzyme immunoassay is used as a laboratory research method. For the correct result and the formulation of an objective medical opinion, it is important to fulfill a few simple requirements.

Preparation for a blood test for the content of chorionic hormone includes the following rules:

• The best option is to take the test in the morning. It is allowed to take at other hours, but you should refrain from eating for 6 hours. until the time of blood sampling.
• The analysis is carried out on an empty stomach.
• On the eve, you should limit the consumption of heavy, fatty foods, alcohol-containing drinks.
• It is necessary to warn the staff about taking medications containing hormones. This may lead to a false test result.
• It is not recommended to conduct an analysis after suffering nervous stress, strong feelings, physical exertion.
• Just before taking venous blood, you do not need to worry, it is best to sit quietly for several minutes.
• If before the tests there is a feeling of dizziness, weakness, fainting, it is necessary to inform the nurse.

Indications for examinations are planned diagnostics of ongoing pregnancy. It is mandatory to prescribe procedures for the threat of spontaneous miscarriage and its accompanying phenomena - bloody discharge from the reproductive system, heaviness and pulling pains in the lower abdomen.

If there is no question of childbearing, then the doctor may send for analysis patients with menstrual irregularities or women who have undergone an induced abortion. When it comes to the male population, swelling of the testicles, discomfort in this area, can be the starting point for hCG analysis.

Research duration

As a rule, it takes 3-4 hours for a laboratory assistant to analyze a person's blood. This is the time to prepare the sample, reagents and tubes for them. If the laboratory conducts research itself, then the result becomes known on the same day.

Having become pregnant, a woman takes a lot of tests, some even several times. This can be a cause for concern: maybe something is wrong? One of these tests, which may have to be taken repeatedly, is the analysis of hCG during pregnancy.

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone secreted by the chorion after the attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterine wall. This happens almost from the moment of conception, therefore it is hCG that is a reliable indicator for the early diagnosis of pregnancy, provided that the result of the analysis is reliable.

Then why is the level of hCG measured during pregnancy, not only in the 1st, but also in the 2nd, and even the 3rd trimester? The fact is that there are certain norms for hCG indicators at different periods of pregnancy, which allow you to find out if it is normal and if the fetus has any pathologies.

HCG contains alpha and beta particles. It is the beta unit that has a unique structure, so it is precisely b-hCG during pregnancy. This laboratory test can be carried out as early as 2-3 days of delayed menstruation, if conception has occurred, and from that moment 6-10 days have passed, the level of hCG will certainly be elevated. If higher accuracy is required, repeat analysis and ultravaginal ultrasonography are recommended.

By the way, home express pregnancy tests (what would we do without them?) Are also based on the detection of hCG during pregnancy, however, for a hormone that is not contained in the blood, but in the urine, where its concentration is half as low, and therefore the accuracy of this method inferior to laboratory examination, but still quite reliable.

HCG levels during pregnancy

After fertilization of the egg, its outer membrane (chorion) begins to actively release gonadotropin, and at a very fast pace: in the 1st trimester, the level of hCG during pregnancy doubles every 2 days. At 7-10 weeks, this indicator reaches its peak, and then gradually decreases, without changing significantly in the 2nd half of pregnancy. That is why, according to the growth rate of hCG during pregnancy, doctors can judge its normal development or lag. At 14-18 weeks, this indicator may signal the development of pathology. Therefore, when prescribing this analysis again, your doctor is simply playing it safe, so do not be alarmed.

As for the norms of hCG, this is a very relative concept. The fact is that almost every laboratory has its own standards. For example, we give a table of hCG norms, it will help you approximately navigate this issue. However, remember that only a qualified specialist can say the decisive word about the compliance or deviations from the norm of your analyzes.

HCG levels by day after ovulation

Deviations from the norm of hCG during pregnancy

But what if the analysis of hCG during pregnancy showed some deviation from the norm in one direction or another? Of course, this is not too good - both an increased and a lowered indicator should alert, because all this indicates some problems and complications in the woman's body. The main thing is to make sure that the gestational age is set correctly, otherwise the comparison with the norm will lose all meaning.

Too much high hCG levels during pregnancy- this, at best, is an indicator of multiple pregnancy: usually the level of the hormone in the blood increases in proportion to the number of embryos.

In addition, the level of hCG above normal may indicate the following pathologies:

• anomalies in the development of the fetus, for example, Down's syndrome;
• prolongation of pregnancy.

The level of hCG may increase if the expectant mother suffers from diabetes and takes synthetic gestagens.

False positive hCG test result

If it turns out that you are not pregnant and your hCG level is high (false positive test result), one of the following factors may have influenced it:

• taking certain hormonal drugs, including oral contraceptives;
• residual effect after a previous pregnancy or abortion;
• chorioncarcinoma;
• cystic drift or its recurrence;
• tumor of the ovaries, uterus, kidneys, lungs.

In any case, this is a reason to see a doctor.

Decreased hCG during pregnancy may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, the threat of miscarriage, overdose. It can also be a symptom of such an unpleasant phenomenon as chronic placental insufficiency.

HCG with a frozen pregnancy

Also, the level of hCG drops during a frozen pregnancy. A frozen or regressing pregnancy is a case when the fetus died for one reason or another. The hormone ceases to be produced, and the analysis shows a drop in the level of hCG. Usually, if a missed pregnancy is suspected, studies are carried out in dynamics, that is, tests are taken several times, and the doctor can clearly determine how the level of the hormone in the blood changes.

However, do not rush to panic - perhaps the hCG levels are outside the normal range for your gestational age just because it was set incorrectly. This happens, therefore, an ultrasound scan is prescribed to determine a regressing pregnancy, but not on its basis, a final conclusion is made. In addition, there are cases when hCG rises during a missed pregnancy, although other signs have already disappeared.

Sometimes the results of the analysis show hCG 0 (negative) during pregnancy, most likely - this is also a mistake and you will need to do the analysis again.

During gestation, a woman has to undergo many diagnostic procedures, some of them even more than once. But there are also such analyzes that can be carried out repeatedly, for example, hCG. Usually, such studies are prescribed at the very beginning of pregnancy, when a woman is at the stage of diagnosing an interesting situation. Also, the results of such an analysis help to calculate the gestational age for hCG.

HCG is a hormone produced by the chorion membrane after the implantation of the embryo into the endometrial layer, i.e., approximately 6-8 days after the actual fertilization of the egg.

Experts call hCG a pregnant hormone, since it begins to be actively produced in a similar category of patients at the very beginning of the term. This is a unique hormonal substance produced by the germinal membrane after the moment when the final implantation of the embryo into the uterine body occurs. This usually occurs 5-7 days after fertilization. The presence or absence of this hormonal substance just makes it possible to establish the fact of an accomplished conception, that a future person begins to form in the uterine body.

In different periods of gestation, it has a different concentration, which makes it possible to judge the normality of fetal development or the presence of deviations. Therefore, this laboratory test is given to patients at different stages of fetal development. But it must be borne in mind that sometimes an increase in chorionic hormone occurs in completely non-pregnant women and male patients. A similar phenomenon is possible if a patient develops hormone-producing tumor processes in the body. Also, elevated levels of chorionic gonadotropin often report that until recently a woman was pregnant, she had an abortion, or there was a spontaneous miscarriage.

Changes in chorionic gonadotropin at different stages of gestation

Gonadotropin is a combination of two fractions - α and β. At the same time, α-hCG is partially identical in composition with other hormonal substances that have nothing to do with pregnancy. But β-hCG has a high specificity, because it is produced exclusively by the germinal membrane.

The principle of operation of home test strips is based on the detection of both fractions of the hormone in the urine, but when a girl provides blood for the determination of gonadotropin, only the β-fraction is captured. Each laboratory method has an individual degree of sensitivity. And although from the first days of gestation it is possible to determine the chorionic hormone in the body of a pregnant woman, its indicators do not differ at all from those in the absence of an interesting situation. Therefore, rushing to the laboratory to determine the content of this hormone, the very next day after the alleged fertilization, is a waste of time and money.

Laboratory confirmation of the fact of a developing pregnancy is likely only a week and a half after conception. But even here there is not always enough data to accurately assess the condition of a woman, so gynecologists strongly advise women not to rush and undergo the necessary studies only when a delay in menstruation is accurately established. Therefore, in the process of determining the concentration of chorionic hormone, some principles must be observed:

1. If the results revealed less than 5 mIU / ml hCG, then they are interpreted as negative;
2. The hormone concentration of 5-25 mIU / ml is considered as a very doubtful result, requiring re-analysis after a couple of days;
3. Deviation from normal indicators by weeks is diagnosed if the analyzes showed a decrease or excess of the norm by 20%. If the calculation of the difference was 50%, then they speak of the presence of a serious pathology.

In other words, if inconsistencies with the norm are found by 20%, then an additional analysis is carried out after a few days. If the result has not changed, but there are no clinical signs of complications, then such indicators are considered as an individual norm. If the deviation is more significant, then a developing pathological process is diagnosed.

Usually, a single determination of the hCG indicator is used only for the initial detection of a pregnant position. If it is supposed to establish the presence of pathological abnormalities such as placental insufficiency, the risk of interruption and other disorders, then it is necessary to monitor the dynamics of hormonal changes. Especially the growth of the hormonal substance is noted in the first months of gestation, then the rate of its growth stabilizes.

Next stage

At first, the concentration of hCG is growing rapidly, doubling in just two days, but already from the 5-6-week period, it takes three days to double the indicator, and in the 7-8-week period - 4 days. At the 9-10-week period, the concentration of gonadotropic chorionic hormone reaches a peak, and by 16 weeks it is equal to the indicators of the 6-7-week period. After 18 weeks, the indicators of this hormone no longer fluctuate so much.

It is sometimes quite difficult to determine the gestational age for hCG, since its indicators are very variable. Initially, its content rises so much due to the intensive physical fetal development, placental growth and hormonal reform taking place in the mother's body. The fetal membrane during this period actively secretes hormones for the full preparation of the fetal site and the creation of a favorable environment for the development of the fetus. But already after the 10th week, noticeable placental transformations occur and the child's place becomes more of an organ of nutrition and respiration, since it is the placenta that provides the growing fetus with oxygen and nutrients. Therefore, closer to the middle of pregnancy, there is a decrease in hCG production.

How and when to take the test

The most reliable method for determining the content of chorionic hormone is a laboratory study of the patient's blood. Urine tests are also used, however, their accuracy is about half that. To get reliable results, you need to know some of the requirements that a pregnant woman must comply with before taking the test.

• You can donate blood only on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning;
• If biomaterial sampling is possible only during the day, then before that it is forbidden to consume any food for 5-6 hours;
• In addition, it is strictly unacceptable to drink tea, coffee, any sodas or juices before the study; only water is allowed from drinks;
• In addition, it is necessary to exclude any physical activity already a day before blood sampling, since excessive activity provokes the release of hormonal substances that affect the information content of the analysis;
• It is necessary to exclude the use of drugs, especially those containing hormonal components. If they cannot be canceled, then it is worth notifying the doctor about their admission.

Blood is taken from a vein. Usually, the results of the study are ready on the day of treatment or after a few days, it all depends on where the biomaterial is processed.

Hormone levels by week

According to the indicators of the chorionic hormone, it is possible to determine the gestation period, however, only a qualified specialist should deal with decoding. For convenience, hormone levels are distributed by week of pregnancy.

When using the data, it should be taken into account that the content of the chorionic hormone is quite variable, therefore, at a 2-week period, its indicators can be either 100 or 300 mIU / ml. Already in the third week, its indicators reach 500 and even 900 mIU / ml, and on the fourth level of hCG it can already be set at 1600-5000 mIU / ml.

The definition of chorionic hormone is of great importance for the management of a pregnant woman and monitoring the development of the fetus. The table of norms for this hormone is a very convenient diagnostic tool that allows specialists to timely detect possible deviations in the intrauterine development of a child.

Why medical terms do not coincide with the terms for hCG and how to correctly compare the results

It is important to correctly calculate the hCG indicators, because the obstetric terms do not correspond to the data of the true gestational age. The bottom line is that the level of chorionic hormone determines the gestation period, which is counted from the time of conception, and not from the date of the last menstruation. The chorionic level, as well as ultrasound diagnostics, shows the true age of the embryo. And obstetric terms exceed the true ones by about a couple of weeks.

In general, the level of the hormone by week cannot be considered an absolute norm. Indicators can be both higher and noticeably lower. If the differences are excessively high, then it is necessary to re-examine the blood for the content of the hormone. The main thing is to donate blood in only one laboratory, since the results can vary greatly in different medical institutions, which is associated with different methods used in diagnostics.

Why is hCG increased and decreased in pregnant women

In some cases, the results of the chorionic hormone are markedly higher than normal. The reasons for this may be due to the presence of diabetes in a pregnant woman, severe toxicosis or severe preeclampsia. In addition, an increase in rates is observed in multiple pregnancies, the presence of pathological abnormalities in the fetus, such as Down syndrome or malformations. The gonadotropic chorionic hormone also increases when the mother takes drugs from the group of synthetic progestogens, as well as with an incorrectly determined gestation period.

Hormone levels may also be low. A similar phenomenon occurs at the wrong time or against the background of dangerous pathologies like:

• Frozen, non-developing pregnancy;
• Delays in fetal development;
• placental insufficiency;
• Intrauterine fetal death;
• Threats of miscarriage;
• Extrauterine development of the fetus.

Also, a decrease in the hCG hormone is observed in mothers who are overwhelmed by pregnancy. In any case, reduced levels of gonadotropic chorionic hormone require immediate consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist and endocrinologist. If the results of the studies showed a hormone content of slightly more than 5 mIU / ml, then it is recommended to re-analyze after a few days. As truthful, we can consider indicators at which the hormonal level will exceed 25 mIU / l.

What can affect the content of gonadotropic hormone

If a woman is not pregnant, but her hormonal levels are elevated, then this may warn of the development of cystic drift and tumor processes in the uterine body, ovaries, kidney or lung structures. A characteristic increase is noted in chorioncarcinomas, teratomas and seminomas, gastrointestinal tumors. In addition, a similar picture of the hormonal background is typical for patients who have recently experienced an induced abortion or miscarriage.

If the gonadotropic hormone was detected, but during repeated studies its indicators do not change, then this may indicate a particular hormonal status of the woman, while there is no gestation, or the tests were carried out ahead of time or the embryo was fixed in the tubes.

The doctor himself determines when and how many times the patient needs to donate blood to determine the chorionic hormone, someone is sent to him every week, which usually happens when a pathology is suspected, and someone donates it only 3-4 times for the entire pregnant period. If the hCG study is not prescribed, then the pregnancy is developing normally, there is no reason to worry. And do not forget about the rule, to take tests to assess the level of chorionic hormone in one medical institution, so that the methodology is always the same, then discrepancies in the results can be avoided.