Hcg 579 how long. HCG pregnancy hormone. Results and interpretation. Laboratory standards and user results

Laboratory tests have long been an integral part of the diagnosis of all known diseases. They acquire special significance at such an exciting and pleasant moment in a woman's life as the expectation of a child. During preventive (screening) examinations conducted in the first and second trimesters, each pregnant woman is tested for hCG. Let's discuss why the doctor prescribes it and in what cases it makes sense to pass such a test on your own.

HCG: what lies behind the mysterious abbreviation

HCG is chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone that is produced in the body of every pregnant woman, as well as in some pathologies. By chemical composition this substance is very close to those reproductive hormones (they are called "gonadotropic"), which are produced in people, regardless of gender, in the part of the brain - the pituitary gland. Their purpose in the normal state of the body is to stimulate the secretion of sex hormones. HCG, on the other hand, is needed in order to “adapt” a woman’s body to an atypical process for it - pregnancy - from the moment of fertilization to the start of the full-fledged work of the placenta.

Pregnancy in terms of endocrinology
While every woman's normal menstrual cycle ends with the shedding of the inner layer of the uterus and the "unused" egg, after successful fertilization, this process should be blocked. Menstruation occurs against the background of a drop in the concentration of the hormone progesterone in the blood, produced in the ovary by the corpus luteum (it resolves within two weeks after ovulation). How to make sure that the rejection of a fertilized egg does not occur? When pregnancy occurs, the tissues surrounding the fetus secrete hCG, which “prolongs the life” of the corpus luteum, so that the concentration of progesterone in the blood remains consistently high. A few months later, when the placenta takes over the functions of secreting progesterone, the level of hCG decreases: now the fetus is no longer in danger of being prematurely rejected by the mother's body.

From a chemical point of view, hCG consists of two "halves" - alpha and beta subunits. One of them (alpha) completely coincides in structure with the same subunits of other gonadotropic hormones, and the second (beta) is unique in composition, which makes it possible to accurately determine the concentration of hCG in the blood.

All hCG tests performed during pregnancy are divided into two types - qualitative and quantitative. The former give an unambiguous answer about whether an increase in the concentration of this hormone in the blood is recorded or not, which indirectly suggests the presence or absence of pregnancy (this is the basis of the rapid urine test, which every adult woman). The second are quantitative tests that determine the exact concentration of hCG in the blood, thanks to which the doctor can monitor changes in the hormonal background in dynamics, as well as suspect some abnormalities in the development of the fetus.

It is interesting
Another property of hCG is the stimulation of ovulation, therefore, a drug based on this hormone is prescribed to women in preparation for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

In addition to reproduction issues, there is another reason why hCG appears in the blood of women and men - we are talking about hormone-producing tumors, oncological diseases that change the hormonal background of the body. Therefore, sometimes such an analysis is prescribed for the diagnosis of a pathological neoplasm.

Analysis for hCG: from total to ... free

Pregnancy tests, which can be bought at any pharmacy, are undoubtedly a convenient invention, but do not forget that they are not very accurate and are able to show the correct result only a few days after a missed period. In addition, they are not applicable for screening diagnostics of possible fetal developmental disorders, which is required in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, and are not applicable for diagnostics in oncology. Therefore, a blood test for hCG is an extremely informative and sought-after medical service.

Total hCG

This analysis is the most reliable laboratory method to confirm or deny the presence of pregnancy, as well as to make sure that it is progressing. Even at very early dates, when test systems for home use show one strip (as a rule, they do not respond to the content of hCG less than 20 mU / ml), a blood test will show an increase in the concentration of the hormone, indicating successful fertilization.

However, the use of hCG analysis to confirm pregnancy is not the only or main application of this study. The fact is that as the embryo develops, the level of hCG in the blood of the mother should increase - up to 12-13 weeks from the date of the last menstruation. If there is no growth from analysis to analysis or the hormone levels do not correspond to generally accepted standards, then this may indicate a high probability of miscarriage, missed or ectopic (ectopic) pregnancy. For more later dates deviation of hCG from reference values ​​may indicate the presence of a genetic pathology in the fetus (such as Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome).

Free b-hCG

An analysis for free beta-hCG is a clarifying type of diagnosis, since it takes into account only that subunit of the hormone that distinguishes it from other gonadotropic substances in the blood. This means that the likelihood of distortion of the result due to general hormonal disorders will be minimal. This is relevant in situations where the purpose of diagnosis is to search for hormone-producing tumors (some of them increase the level of b-hCG in isolation), which, with a clinically confirmed absence of pregnancy in a woman, as well as in men, clearly indicates a neoplasm.

In addition, such an accurate diagnosis is useful in screening for congenital malformations, so many doctors consider it appropriate to prescribe a free beta-hCG test to the patient. This is especially important if the expectant mother has an increased risk of having a child with genetic abnormalities (this is determined by her age, heredity and history of previous pregnancies).

How accurate is a blood test for hCG

An analysis for chorionic gonadotropin is classified as a highly accurate laboratory diagnostic method. Determination of the concentration of the hormone in the blood is carried out by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA), during which human blood serum is mixed with standard antibodies to hCG and a dye. Without a chemical reaction to combine these substances into a single complex, the solution does not stain, so the test allows you to reliably confirm the presence of the hormone in the blood of the patient, as well as to assess its concentration.

Why the doctor may prescribe a study

For women with delayed menstruation, the doctor prescribes an hCG test in the following cases:

• to confirm or refute early pregnancy;
• to exclude ectopic pregnancy;
• to control the quality of the abortion performed (in case the artificial termination of pregnancy was not completed to the end, the remnants of the ovum in the uterus continue to secrete the hormone into the blood);
• to diagnose a threatened miscarriage or miscarriage.

For women with an established and normally developing pregnancy, the determination of hCG is prescribed in the following cases:

• to monitor the progress of pregnancy;
• as part of a screening examination in the first trimester (together with an analysis for PAPP-A - plasma pregnancy-associated protein-A);
• as part of a screening examination in the second trimester (together with an analysis of alpha-fetoprotein and free estriol- so-called triple test).

For men, as well as women outside of pregnancy, an hCG test can be prescribed to diagnose trophoblastic diseases and hormone-producing tumors.

How to donate blood for hCG analysis

One of undeniable advantages analysis for hCG is the lack of special preparation for the study. Blood from a vein is given if possible - in the morning and on an empty stomach (after eating, at least 4 hours should pass).

If the test for hCG is carried out to confirm pregnancy, it is advisable to donate blood no earlier than 3-5 days after a missed period, so the likelihood of a false negative result will be minimal.

What does the result mean: we read the study form

The patient receives the results of the analysis for hCG within a week, but some private laboratories are able to conduct a study in one day or, in emergency cases, in a few hours.

The received form will indicate the name and surname of the patient, as well as the type of analysis (total hCG or free b-hCG). Reference values ​​for your case are also given here (norms for men and for non-pregnant women, norms for expectant mothers indicating the gestational age in weeks).

Table 1

A blood test for hCG is just one of the stages of medical diagnosis. Regardless of its results - do not rush to make independent conclusions, be sure to consult a doctor and in no case do not panic ahead of time - the human body is complex, and conclusions about the processes occurring in it can only be made on the basis of a comprehensive medical assessment of the state of health.

Wednesday, 03/28/2018

Editorial opinion

As mentioned in the article, an increase in hCG can be caused not only by pregnancy, but also by the development of various pathologies, even diabetes or malignant neoplasms. Therefore, do not belittle the importance of this analysis, pay attention to deviations from the norms and consult a doctor in a timely manner.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is one of the most important indicators of the presence of pregnancy and its successful development.

Evaluation of the level of hCG helps to determine the presence of pregnancy in the early stages, when ultrasound is not yet informative.

Note:

1. HCG rates are given for the gestational age “from conception (ovulation)”, and not for the last menstrual period.

2. The above figures are not a standard! Each laboratory can set its own standards. When evaluating the results, it is advisable to rely on the standards of the laboratory where you were analyzed!

3. If you do not know your gestational age or the results of the tests do not match your calculations, take a look at our pregnancy Calendar. Perhaps you just miscalculated it.

Why does the gestational age for hCG not match the doctor's calculations?

Please note that according to hCG, the gestational age is determined relative to the date of conception and reflects the age of the unborn child. obstetric term pregnancy is calculated by the doctor relative to the date of the last menstruation and has no connection with the timing of conception.

Factors affecting the level of hCG

Increasing hCG levels in the absence of pregnancy:

• taking hormonal drugs (hCG);
• residual hCG levels from a previous pregnancy or after an abortion;
• chorioncarcinoma (chorioepithelioma), recurrence of chorioncarcinoma;
• cystic drift, recurrence of cystic drift;
• tumors of the testicles or ovaries, lungs, kidneys, uterus, etc.

Increasing hCG levels during pregnancy:

• multiple pregnancy (the result increases in proportion to the number of fetuses)
• prolonged pregnancy
• early toxicosis of pregnant women, preeclampsia;
• fetal chromosomal pathology (Down syndrome, serious fetal malformations, etc.);
• maternal diabetes;
• taking synthetic gestagens.

A decrease in the level of hCG during pregnancy - a mismatch with the gestational age, an extremely slow increase or no increase in concentration, a progressive decrease in the level, and more than 50% of the norm:

• discrepancy between the actual and expected gestational age
  (possibly due to an irregular menstrual cycle)
• the threat of interruption (the level of the hormone decreases by more than 50% of the norm);
• non-developing pregnancy;
• ectopic pregnancy;
• chronic placental insufficiency;
• prolongation of pregnancy;
• intrauterine fetal death (in 2-3 trimesters).

False negative results (non-detection of hCG during pregnancy):

• the test was taken too early;
• ectopic pregnancy.

In the body of each of us, there are many complex biochemical processes that are regulated by special substances - hormones. Most of them are the same in both sexes, the sexual ones are different, and during pregnancy new substances appear, including hCG, human chorionic gonadotropin.

Without hormones, it is impossible to imagine the correct metabolism, reactions to stress, adaptation to constantly changing environmental conditions. Pregnancy is a very special state. female body which imposes increased requirements on its functioning and requires additional regulatory mechanisms. In the body of the expectant mother appears the hCG hormone produced by the tissues of the developing embryo and reflecting the normal course of pregnancy.

Chorionic gonadotropin is the most important substance that supports the growth of the fetus, it is the first "notifies" future mother about her special condition. The pregnancy test is based on the appearance of hCG, so most women have heard of it in one way or another.

HCG is formed by the membranes of the fetus, so it cannot be detected outside of pregnancy. Its content determines the physiological or impaired development of the embryo, and the appearance in the body of a man or a non-pregnant woman indicates the development of a tumor.

Properties and role of hCG in the body

After the fusion of the spermatozoon and the egg, intensive reproduction of the embryo cells begins, and by the end of the first week it is ready to attach to the inner wall of the uterus. At this stage, the embryo is represented by only a small bubble, but the cells of its outer part (trophoblast) already intensively produce a hormone that ensures normal growth.

The trophoblast is fixed to the endometrium and is transformed into the chorion, which makes up the bulk of the placenta. Through the villous membrane, the connection between the blood flow of the mother and the fetus, metabolism, delivery of useful and removal unwanted products metabolism. Chorion secretes chorionic gonadotropin throughout pregnancy, which helps not only to develop the unborn baby, but also supports the "pregnant" state of the woman.

When pregnancy occurs, the main regulatory substance in a woman becomes progesterone, which at the very first stages of her development is formed by the corpus luteum of the ovary. HCG during pregnancy is needed to maintain the function of the corpus luteum and a constant increase in the concentration of progesterone, so it is not surprising that the corpus luteum in a pregnant woman does not disappear, as in a normal menstrual cycle.

The biological properties of hCG are similar to those of the luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone, but the effect on the corpus luteum is significantly predominant. In addition, it is more active than the "ordinary" luteinizing hormone, which is formed in the second phase of the menstrual cycle, because pregnancy requires significant concentrations of progesterone.

According to the chemical structure, hCG is represented by two subunits - alpha and beta. The first completely coincides with that of the gonadotropic hormones LH and FSH, the second - beta - is unique, which explains both the peculiarity of the functions performed and the possibility of a qualitative analysis of hCG in the blood or urine.

The functions of hCG are:

• Maintenance of the corpus luteum and the formation of progesterone by it;
• Implementation of the correct implantation and formation of the chorionic membrane;
• An increase in the number of chorionic villi, their nutrition;
• Adaptation to the state of pregnancy.

The adaptation of a woman to a developing pregnancy is to increase the production of hormones of the adrenal cortex under the influence of hCG. Glucocorticoids provide immunosuppression - suppression of immune responses from the mother in relation to fetal tissues, because the embryo is half genetically alien. These functions are performed by hCG, while "ordinary" gonadotropic hormones are not able to enhance the work of the adrenal cortex.

With the introduction of preparations of chorionic gonadotropin to a woman, ovulation and the formation of a corpus luteum are stimulated, and the production of endogenous sex steroids increases. If hCG is administered to a man, then there is an increase in testosterone production and spermatogenesis is enhanced.

A blood test for hCG is used to determine the presence of pregnancy and to monitor its course. If you suspect a tumor of the gonads, it may also be necessary to determine the concentration of this hormone. HCG in the urine allows you to quickly and fairly reliably confirm the presence of pregnancy, so this method is applicable for express diagnosis.

Norm indicators

The level of hCG is determined by gender, duration of pregnancy, the presence of a tumor. In men and non-pregnant women, it is absent or does not exceed 5 mU / ml. During pregnancy, it appears about a week after conception, and its indicators are continuously increasing, reaching a maximum by the end of the first trimester.

If a pregnancy is suspected, it is possible to determine a negative hCG, the reason for which may be in a too early test or in an ectopic localization of the embryo.

The table of norms for weeks is used to control the level of hCG and timely detection of deviations. In the first or second week, it is 25-156 mU / ml, by the 6th week it can reach 151,000 mU / ml, the maximum hCG falls on the 11th week of gestation - up to 291,000 mU / ml.

Table: hCG norm for obstetric weeks

Thus, this hormone first increases, and from the second trimester it decreases slightly, since the need for it is highest at the time of formation of the placenta. The mature placenta from the second trimester of gestation itself forms the necessary amounts of progesterone and estrogen, so hCG is gradually reduced, but it is still necessary for the nutritional role and stimulation of the formation of testosterone by fetal tissues for proper development sex glands.

A blood test for hCG allows you to absolutely accurately confirm a short term pregnancy. In the urine, this substance appears one or two days later, and to determine it, any woman can use an express test purchased at a pharmacy. To obtain a reliable result and eliminate errors, it is recommended to use not one, but several test strips at once.

The level of hCG by day from conception is determined based on the average norm and the rate of growth of the hormone for a given period. So, in the first 2-5 weeks, the level of hCG doubles every day and a half. If the fetus is not one, then the concentration will increase in proportion to the number of embryos.

Table: approximate level of hCG by day from ovulation (conception)

In pathology, it is possible either to increase or decrease the amount of hCG required in specific date pregnancy. An increase in this hormone may indicate the presence of diabetes, preeclampsia, or an incorrectly set gestational age. If a woman has had an abortion, and the concentration of hCG does not decrease, then this is a sign of pregnancy progression.

Low hCG or insufficient growth usually indicates a delay in fetal development, ectopic localization of the embryo, pathology of the placenta, and the threat of miscarriage.

When is hCG determination necessary?

It is necessary to determine the content of chorionic gonadotropin:

1. To confirm the fact of pregnancy;
2. In order to control its course;
3. With probable complications from the fetus (malformations) or placental tissue;
4. To control the quality of medical abortion;
5. With amenorrhea of ​​unknown origin;
6. When diagnosing neoplasms that secrete hCG.

In men and non-pregnant women, the test for hCG is usually negative, in rare cases, trace amounts of it are possible, not exceeding 5 units per liter of blood. With an increase in the concentration of the hormone in a woman, it can be concluded that the onset of pregnancy, while the conception occurred at least 5-6 days ago. Then hCG continuously increases, its amount is compared with normal values ​​for this period. To correctly decipher the data, you need to accurately calculate the time of conception.

The determination of hCG during pregnancy is included in the so-called triple test, which includes, in addition to hCG, indicators and estriol. A comprehensive assessment of deviations of these substances makes it possible to suspect possible violations on the part of the mother or the embryo.

In non-pregnant women and males, the need to determine hCG may arise in case of suspected neoplasia of the ovaries, testicles and other organs. Trophoblastic diseases (cystic drift, chorionepithelioma) are also accompanied by a change in the amount of hCG.

Blood sampling from a vein for hCG is usually taken in the morning, on an empty stomach. It does not require any preparation. When diagnosing pregnancy, in order to obtain more reliable results, it is better to donate blood as early as 4-5 days after a missed period. It is prescribed to pregnant women in the second trimester. If it is necessary to control the degree of increase in hCG in the first trimester of gestation, the analysis can be repeated every few days.

Deviations in the content of hCG

Any deviation from the data of the hCG table in a pregnant woman can be considered a sign of pathology both fetus and placental tissue, therefore, requires close attention and further examination.

hCG elevated

Exceeding the normal value of hCG is possible both during pregnancy and outside it. In pregnant women, elevated hCG may indicate:

• More than one developing embryo (hCG rises according to their number);
• Prolonged pregnancy;
• Stock ;
• at the expectant mother;
• Defects in the formation of the fetus;
• Taking hormonal drugs.

If a woman is not pregnant, or the analysis is taken from a man, and hCG is elevated, the reason for this may be:

1. Medical abortion up to five days ago;
2. Taking medications containing hCG;
3. Growth of choriocarcinoma;
4. Bubble skid;
5. seminoma of the testis;
6. Tumors of other localization - intestines, lungs, uterus.

It is known that during menopause, when there are jumps in hormone concentrations, an increase in the content of hCG in the blood is possible.. In elderly patients with kidney pathology requiring hemodialysis, hCG can significantly exceed the norm (up to 10 times). This is due to a violation of the natural excretion of the hormone from the body and its accumulation in the blood, while its production different fabrics remains at the physiological level.

HCG lowered

Pathology is evidenced not only by an increase, but also by a decrease in the concentration of chorionic gonadotropin. An insufficient amount of it causes a delay in the development of the organs and tissues of the unborn baby, negatively affects the maturation of the placenta, which means that blood flow, the exchange of nutrients and oxygen between the mother and fetus suffer. Intrauterine hypoxia can lead to serious deviations in the development of the embryo, so low hCG also requires increased attention to the patient.

A decrease in hCG production in a pregnant woman may indicate:

• Ectopic fixation of the embryo;
• Slowing down the development of the embryo;
• "Frozen" pregnancy or intrauterine death in the second or third trimesters;
• Threatening miscarriage;
• Placental insufficiency;
• Post-term pregnancy.

With an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo does not implant in the uterine mucosa, it develops in the fallopian tube, ovary, or even on the peritoneum. In these organs, there are no conditions for normal fixation of the embryo, the proper development of the trophoblast and chorion, so the level of hCG does not increase as it should be at a specific gestational age. HCG definition along with data ultrasound can serve as an important diagnostic criterion for ectopic pregnancy.

An increase in hCG in non-pregnant women and men indicates a likely tumor growth. If a neoplasm is detected and the patient is being treated, then the determination of hCG can help evaluate the effectiveness of therapy.

Human chorionic gonadotropin in pharmacology

Chorionic gonadotropin is not only an important diagnostic indicator. This hormone can be successfully used in the treatment of certain diseases, and athletes decide to take the drug to achieve better training results.

Medicines based on hCG are obtained by isolating the hormone from the urine of pregnant women, or with the help of special microorganisms. The most common pregnyl, horagon, profazi.

HCG, having a gonadotropic effect, stimulates ovulation, sperm maturation, improving their quality and quantity, increases the production of sex steroids, affects the formation of secondary sexual characteristics.

Indications for prescribing a drug based on hCG can be:

1. Violation of menstrual function in women due to a decrease in the production of gonadotropic hormones;
2. Infertility;
3. Stimulation of the ovaries during the procedure of in vitro fertilization (IVF);
4. The threat of termination of pregnancy;
5. Violation of the development of the gonads in men (hypogonadism), pathology of spermatozoa.

Preparations based on hCG contraindicated with tumors of the gonads, decreased function of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands,. You can not take this hormone to nursing mothers, and special care should be taken when prescribing it to adolescents, people suffering from impaired kidney function.

Typically, hCG is administered intramuscularly, and the regimen, frequency and duration of treatment depend on the goals of treatment and the gender of the patient. To provoke ovulation or "superovulation" during IVF, the drug is administered once in a high dose (up to 10 thousand IU). With the threat of abortion, impaired sexual development in boys, hypogonadism, hCG is administered for 1-3 months, the dose is determined by the indications.

It's no secret that athletes are showing increased attention to various kinds of drugs that can improve training results. Using steroid hormones, it is possible to increase muscle mass and strength, however have and side effects such impact: decreased testosterone production, risk of testicular atrophy.

In order to reduce the side effects of steroids and “smooth out” the manifestations of the withdrawal syndrome, athletes use hCG preparations that increase the concentration of testosterone and prevent atrophic changes in the testicles. It is worth noting that hCG is not a panacea, it does not eliminate the loss of muscle mass and adverse reactions of taking steroids, but it allows you to somewhat reduce them and only “delay” the withdrawal syndrome.

Specialists are extremely negative about the use of hCG preparations by athletes, after all, metabolic disorders after taking steroid hormones can be even more aggravated. In addition, the risk of tumors under the influence of hormone therapy increases. It has been noted that testosterone levels may not increase, but excessive stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary system will result in adverse reactions.

Thus, athletes should not trust unverified information and the advice of their colleagues who have decided on such treatment. The action of hCG preparations in athletes, and even more so against the background of steroid therapy, has not been fully studied, so there is no reason to assert that it is effective and, most importantly, safe. No competent specialist will prescribe hormonal preparations without medical evidence.

Video: hCG and other components of perinatal screening for pregnant women

The period of pregnancy is one of the most difficult stages in a woman's life. You have to take various tests, more than ever, control your diet and daily routine, put up with poor health. Some tests are given repeatedly, because with their help you can control the course of pregnancy. One of these tests is a study on the level of the hCG hormone. For the first time it is carried out during the diagnosis of pregnancy. In fact, it is the analysis for hCG that often allows you to finally establish that a pregnancy has occurred.

Basic information about hCG

In order not to worry about the reasons for the deviations of the hCG level from the norm, a woman needs to know the theoretical basis. The fact is that changes in hCG do not always indicate pregnancy, and yet they are not always a cause for concern. Yes, deviation from the norm is bad. But the norm itself is constantly changing in one direction or the other.

What is HCG

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is one of the most unique hormones. When a fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus, this hormone begins to emanate from the chorion and enters the bloodstream. Accordingly, in a woman who is not pregnant, the hCG hormone is contained in small quantities.

The first analysis for hCG occurs during the diagnosis of pregnancy, and the subsequent ones - at different times. These tests are needed to determine the rate of fetal development, to make sure there are no delays and pathologies.

Chorionic gonadotropin consists of alpha particles and beta particles. The first ones are not interesting for doctors, but the second ones have a unique structure that cannot be confused with anything. If hCG beta particles are detected in a blood test, it becomes clear that fertilization has occurred.

However, the presence advanced level HCG does not always indicate pregnancy. Sometimes this hormone can be a symptom of some disease, including in men (but rarely). In addition, an increased content of hCG is observed in the first days after an abortion.

How to diagnose pregnancy in the analysis of hCG

It is never too early to do an hCG analysis. You can donate blood even for 2-3 days of delay in menstruation. If at least 6-7 days have occurred since the moment of conception, then the result of the analysis will show pregnancy. But in order to finally make sure that the analysis is correct, doctors advise doing it 2 times, with an interval of 1 week. Also, ultravaginal ultrasound will not interfere.

Important! Rapid tests, which can be bought at any pharmacy, are also based on the analysis of hCG. The only difference is that the rapid test measures the level of the hormone not in the blood, but in the urine. Efficiency pharmacy tests not very high, since the level of hCG in the urine is half that in the blood. If the hormone is secreted little, then the test may not detect it. A laboratory blood test is much more effective.

What is the rate of hCG at different stages of pregnancy

Gonadotropin appears in the blood immediately after the formation of the chorion. If the level of the hormone rises, then we can judge the successful development of pregnancy. The norm of hCG in the first 3 months of pregnancy is about 2 times higher than at the usual time. The peak level of the hormone occurs from 7 to 10 weeks, and after that it gradually decreases. After a slight decrease in the level of hCG "freezes" until about the middle of pregnancy.

Thus, from 14 to 18 weeks, the level of hCG should be unchanged. If during this period the level rises or, conversely, decreases, this may mean that the development of the fetus is not entirely correct. But one analysis of hCG is not enough to determine the presence of pathologies. If the doctor notices any violations, he will definitely refer the pregnant woman for additional studies. As long as the doctor says nothing, you can not worry about the fetus.

Important! The hCG indicator in women who are not pregnant, and in men - no more than 5 mIU / ml. In pregnant women, the norm fluctuates throughout the entire period of pregnancy. The lion's share of pregnancy passes with constant and very noticeable changes in the level of hCG, and you should not attach much importance to this fact.

Table of hCG norms by week of pregnancy

Based on this table, several conclusions can be drawn:

1. The level of hCG in the blood reaches its peak at 9-13 weeks of pregnancy and exceeds the norm of a non-pregnant woman by thousands of times.
2. After the 13th week, the hCG level should go down.
3. At 23-41 weeks, changes in the level of hCG are possible, but not so significant.

Important! The variation in indicators is very wide, and all of them are the norm. For example, a woman whose hCG is 3000 mIU / ml at week 6 may feel no less relaxed than a woman whose hCG reaches 50,000 mIU / ml at the same time. But if the indicator for a specific period is higher or lower than the range presented in the table, this is already a cause for concern.

Deviations of the level of hCG from the norm

Many women ask a reasonable question. If the level of hCG is constantly changing, then how to determine whether it is normal or not? The answer to this question is the hCG level tables, created on the basis of statistics. The tables indicate what the hormone level should be during a normal pregnancy. Most tables calculate the rate of hormone content weekly. There are also daily tables, but they are not very accurate. Changes in hCG levels are best monitored on a weekly interval.

Any deviations in the level of hCG are negative. If in a particular week of pregnancy the level of the hormone in the blood is lower or higher than necessary, this indicates complications. It can be both fetal pathologies and diseases of a pregnant woman.

If hCG deviates from the norm, this does not mean that pregnancy has occurred. The reason may be:

• a tumor of the kidneys, lungs, uterus, ovaries (testicles in men), as well as other tumors;
• a course of hormonal therapy (taking drugs containing hCG;
• cystic drift or its recurrence;
• hCG residue in the blood after a recent abortion or the birth of a previous child.

Causes increase hCG during a confirmed pregnancy:

• diabetes mellitus of a pregnant woman;
• taking gestagenic synthetic drugs;
• toxicosis and gestosis;
• fetal pathologies (primarily chromosomal);
• discrepancy between the present and expected gestational age.

Reasons for low hCG levels can be as follows:

• non-existent pregnancy;
• placental insufficiency;
• gestation of the fetus;
• frozen pregnancy;
• risk of miscarriage (if the level of hCG is underestimated by more than 50%);
• antenatal fetal death (only in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters).

So, there are a lot of reasons for the discrepancy between the level of hCG and the norm. If this problem appears, do not immediately sound the alarm. The doctor will understand the true cause of the deviation from the norm. Perhaps it will turn out to be not something serious, but toxicosis, which is common for any pregnant woman.

In addition, often elevated levels of hCG are observed in women who carry 2 or more fetuses at the same time. If the level of the hormone in the blood of a woman pregnant with 2 children exceeds the general norm, this is not a reason to sound the alarm. For women with twins, there is their own hCG rate, which is worth asking the doctor about.

Important! Sometimes it happens that the gestational age was set incorrectly. Then the hCG level will not match the table. To avoid misunderstandings, the onset of pregnancy should be carefully checked.

How to pass the analysis

In order for the information about the results of the hCG analysis to be true, you need to pass it correctly. All the subtleties of the process should be learned from the doctor. But there is general recommendations, which are worth knowing in advance:

1. Regardless of the time of day, the test always takes place on an empty stomach. 5-6 hours before the procedure, you need to stop drinking and eating.
2. Blood for analysis is taken from a vein, so it is better to spend 2-3 days before donation at rest, without physical exertion.
3. If hormones were taken shortly before the analysis, then you need to tell the doctor who will study the results of the analysis, and the laboratory assistant who takes the blood.

What to do if the level of hCG is abnormal

When diagnosing pregnancy, it is important to understand that exceeding the norm is not always pregnancy. If hCG is more than 5 mIU / ml, then you should wait at least 4-5 days and take the test again. With 100% certainty, it is worth talking about the fact of pregnancy only at an hCG level of 25 mIU / ml.

If the hCG level is already violated during pregnancy, then everything depends on the degree of deviation. The main thing is not to make decisions on your own, without the knowledge of the doctor. A slight deviation in general can be caused by the characteristics of the body and does not bode well. If the deviation exceeded 20%, then the doctor sends the pregnant woman to other tests. According to their results, it becomes clear whether there are any complications.

Important! Many medical centers use special methods for calculating hCG levels, so the tables used in these centers may contain completely different numbers. This is fine. Experts know what the hCG norm should be, and their words can be trusted.

Vladimir asks:

What is the interpretation of the analysis for human chorionic gonadotropin? (detail)

In order to correctly decipher the analysis for hCG, you should know the normal values, as well as the problem for which the concentration of this substance in the blood was determined. Determination of the concentration of hCG in the blood serum is carried out in the following situations:

2. Establishing the gestational age;

3. Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy;

4. Diagnosis of threatened miscarriage;

Regina comments:

Blood for hCG was taken on June 3rd.
menstruation was supposed to start on May 30-31, instead of them there were discharges.

In this situation, I recommend that you retake a blood test for hCG after 5-7 days. More details on this issue read in the corresponding series of articles on our website by clicking on the link: Blood test for hCG - early diagnosis of pregnancy Signs of pregnancy

Irina asks:

Good afternoon! Today I was at the doctor's office, they told me. that the result of the analysis for beta-hCG is increased. The map recorded the value of 2.61 without indicating the units of measurement. The analysis was done at the 13th week of pregnancy. looking at the tables hCG standards I can't find my value. Please explain my result.

Unfortunately, without indicating the units of measurement of this indicator, we cannot reliably interpret the result, since they may differ in different laboratories. We recommend that you personally contact your gynecologist. You can find out more detailed information on this issue in the relevant section of our website by clicking on the following link: Screening. You can also get additional information in the following section of our website: Pregnancy calendar

Tatyana asks:

Good afternoon! Menstruation began on time and lasted more than 7 days (usually 4-5). At the same time, the discharge was bloody. Has handed over the analysis on CG, has shown 7.0 IU/l, the test for pregnancy is negative. The doctor did not find any inflammation during the examination. 13 years ago there was an ectopic pregnancy with tube removal + 2 miscarriages and 2 abortions. Now, after taking tranexam (prescribed by a gynecologist), the discharge has decreased, almost ended. Please explain my result and what it could be. Thank you.

This conclusion, together with negative test pregnancy indicates that you are not pregnant. You can get more detailed information on the question you are interested in in the corresponding section of our website by clicking on the following link: Signs of pregnancy and in a series of articles: Why do a blood test for hCG. You can also get additional information in the following section of our website: Pregnancy test

gulnaz asks:

Please tell me, I have a 12 day delay in menstruation, the test shows a negative result, a blood test for hCG showed a result of 14.58. About 2 months ago I took an analysis for hCG before delays, the result showed less than 10. Even then, I did it for the first time ultrasound, they said that I have fibroids (I don’t remember the size, but it’s small, since the gynecologist said that this does not affect pregnancy) Can I hope for pregnancy. Another strange dryness in the throat, back after physical exertion, colitis, and delay. I have never had such delays. Thank you. I am 30 years old. I have never had an abortion.