What is hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)?
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin or hCG is the pregnancy hormone produced by the placenta as soon as implantation happens, about one week after fertilization and ovulation. As soon as the embryo implants and the placenta attaches to the uterine lining, hCG enters the circulation and eventually is excreted into the urine. Many women wonder what the hCG level in early pregnancy is. In most normal pregnancies with hCG levels below 1,200 mIU/ml, the hCG usually doubles every 48-72 hours and increases by at least 60% every two days. Once it reaches about 6,000 mIU it takes longer to double and after 11-12 weeks the hCG normally decreases.
At an hCG level greater than 12,000 mIU/ml there should be a visible embryo with a heartbeat, though it could take up to an hCG level of 22,000 mIU/ml to first see the fetal heartbeat. A low hCG count in pregnancy may indicate a miscalculated date of conception, an ectopic pregnancy, or a possible miscarriage. However, a perfectly healthy pregnancy may have low hCG counts and levels. A high hCG count in pregnancy may indicate a miscalculated date of conception, a molar pregnancy, or a multiple pregnancy. Some fertility drugs usually hCG injections containing hCG may affect your hCG levels. Other than that, other medications including antibiotics and oral contraceptives will not affect your hCG level. If you are taking a fertility medication that would affect your hCG count then your healthcare provider should discuss with you how this would affect your tests.