Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG for short, is a hormone produced by the cells of the embryonic embryo after attaching a fertilized egg to the uterine mucosa. In most cases, the production of hCG by the body of a pregnant woman begins 7-10 days after fertilization. The highest concentration of the hormone is found in the blood and urine, it is these biological fluids that become objects for research on pregnancy.
The level of hCG in the blood allows you to show many details of the "piquant position": to suspect (and identify in combination with other diagnostic methods) an ectopic, as well as a frozen pregnancy, the threat of miscarriage, etc. Thus, an analysis of hCG confirms or refutes the presence of pregnancy and allows you to suspect some deviations in its course. The hormone can easily be "caught" at home with the usual pregnancy test, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. The test is a kind of indicator that responds to an increase in hCG in the urine. Subject to all conditions described on the package, the reliability of the "home" express analysis is 98-99%.
Normal hCG during pregnancy
We found out: after implantation of a fertilized egg, the chorion (germinal membrane of the future fetus) begins to produce gonadotropin. But why? Everything is very simple: the embryo is trying to survive in the aggressive conditions of the mother's body. HCG "makes" the hormonal background of a woman to be reconstructed at her own discretion, so that all processes in the body of the future mother are directed to the maintenance and development of a new life.
In addition, the hormone suppresses the functioning of immune cells so that the “faithful guardians” do not confuse the fetus with the “enemy” and destroy it. Therefore, with the onset of pregnancy, hCG begins to be produced at lightning speed. The first 2-3 months are normal every two days, the level of the hormone doubles, reaching its peak at 7-10 weeks, after which it gradually decreases, stopping by 20-30 weeks and remaining approximately at the same level until the end of pregnancy.
The hCG norm in the conditions of the correct course of pregnancy, depending on the period, is:
1 to 2 weeks: 30 - 300 units
2 to 3 weeks: 1,500 - 5,000 honey
3 to 4 weeks: 10,000 - 30,000 honey
5 to 8 weeks: 50,000 - 200,000 honey
From 8 to 10 weeks: 20,000 - 100,000 honey
10 to 14 weeks: 20,000 - 60,000 honey
From 15 to 25 weeks: 10,000 - 30,000 honey
25 to 35 weeks: 10,000 - 60,000 honey
Immediately, we note that the indicators in the norm may slightly differ from the above (it all depends on the individual physiological characteristics of the patient), therefore, only the attending physician should analyze and compare all the figures. Do not do this yourself!
HCG during ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is a real blow to the mental and physical female health. Its nature is not fully understood. So far, no doctor has been able to name the exact causes of the development of the pathological phenomenon. The only reliable way to detect an ectopic pregnancy in a woman was and remains an ultrasound scan. However, due to timely analysis for hCG, it is possible to suspect an ovarian or tubular fastening of the embryo. As a rule, the level of hCG during an ectopic pregnancy is slightly underestimated or remains normal at first, but soon the dynamics of gonadotropin growth sharply changes in a smaller direction. Nevertheless, it is guaranteed to assert the onset of abnormal pregnancy only after an ultrasound scan.
HCG in missed pregnancy
A regressive (frozen or undeveloped) pregnancy is a cessation of the fetal development of the embryo, simply saying the fetus dies for unknown reasons. Most often this is observed in the first trimester, but it also happens that a child ceases to exist at a later date, as a rule, an abortion (miscarriage) does not occur. In this case, false growth of the uterus is noted, since the fetal egg has not exfoliated, and the presence of signs inherent in pregnancy (they gradually disappear). After the death of the fetus, the level of hCG begins to fall rapidly, and rapid tests produce a negative result.
Increased hCG during pregnancy
In most cases, an increased level of hCG does not indicate any abnormalities during pregnancy, it can also become a companion of severe toxicosis or multiple pregnancy in women. However, if other indicators of the body and tests are very different from the norm - this is cause for concern. In this case, increased hCG warns us of such serious diseases as diabetes mellitus or gestosis. In addition, a high level of gonadotropin can be observed during hormonal therapy (in particular when taking gestagens). In combination with low estriol and AFP (triple detailed test), increased hCG may indicate a high risk of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome.
Low hCG during pregnancy
A low level of gonadotropin in the blood is a more formidable signal and most often indicates:
- regressive pregnancy (fetal death);
- ectopic pregnancy;
- delayed development of the embryo;
- the threat of miscarriage, spontaneous abortion;
- child overload (more than 40 weeks);
- chronic placental insufficiency.
We note once again that the digital value of hCG is inconsistent and may vary slightly in different laboratories. This factor depends on many things, therefore, the results of the analysis at any time should be evaluated only by a gynecologist.
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