Are you trying to get pregnant? Then you’ve probably heard about hCG. But what exactly is it? And why does it matter?
Let’s break down everything you need to know about hCG levels in early pregnancy.
What Is hCG?
hCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin. It’s a hormone your body makes when you’re pregnant.
Your body starts producing hCG right after a fertilised egg attaches to your womb lining. This usually happens about six days after conception.
hCG is the hormone that pregnancy tests detect. When you take a test, it’s looking for hCG in your urine.
How Do hCG Levels Change?
In early pregnancy, hCG levels rise very quickly. They typically double every two to three days.
Here’s what normal levels look like:
- At three weeks pregnant: 5-50 mIU/ml
- At four weeks pregnant: 5-426 mIU/ml
- At five weeks pregnant: 18-7,340 mIU/ml
- At six weeks pregnant: 1,080-56,500 mIU/ml
These ranges are quite wide. Every pregnancy is different. What matters most is that your levels are rising, not the exact number.
hCG usually peaks between weeks eight and eleven. After that, levels start to drop slightly and then level off.
When Can You Test?
You might be wondering when is the earliest a pregnancy test can be taken. Most tests work from the first day of your missed period.
Some tests are more sensitive than others. They can detect lower levels of hCG. This means you might be able to test a few days earlier.
The Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test with Weeks Indicator is a good option. It can be used up to five days before your missed period. It also tells you how many weeks pregnant you are.
Why Do Doctors Check hCG Levels?
Your GP or midwife might check your hCG levels through a blood test. They do this for several reasons.
Rising hCG levels confirm that your pregnancy is developing normally. If levels aren’t rising as expected, it might signal a problem. This could include an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
Blood tests are more accurate than urine tests. They can detect pregnancy earlier too.
What If Your Levels Are Low?
Try not to worry if your hCG levels seem low. Remember those wide ranges we mentioned? Your levels might be perfectly normal for you.
Low levels don’t always mean there’s a problem. You might have got your dates wrong. Or you might have ovulated later than you thought.
Your doctor will usually do another test in 48-72 hours. They’ll check if your levels are rising properly.
What If Your Levels Are High?
High hCG levels aren’t usually a cause for concern either. They might mean you’re further along than you thought.
High levels can also mean you’re carrying twins or multiples. Each baby produces hCG, so levels are naturally higher.
The Bottom Line
hCG is the pregnancy hormone. It rises quickly in early pregnancy and helps confirm you’re expecting.
Every pregnancy is unique. Try not to compare your levels with others. What matters is that your levels are rising at the right rate.
If you’re concerned about your hCG levels, speak to your GP or midwife. They can arrange blood tests and provide reassurance.
Remember, a positive pregnancy test is the first exciting step. The rest of your pregnancy journey will unfold from there.
