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Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, is produced during pregnancy. HCG maintains the corpus luteum, which is responsible for progesterone production in early pregnancy. Progesterone helps to keep the lining of the uterus thick for a healthy pregnancy. If there is no hCG present in the woman’s body the lining of the uterus will begin to shed and a new menstrual cycle will begin.
Hcg blood levels can first be detected about 8 - 11 days after conception by a blood test, and about 12 - 14 days after conception by a urine test.
The hCG hormone will begin to rise and should increase normally every 48-72 hours for the next several weeks. In a normal pregnancy it increases by at least 60% every 2 days. HCG levels differ between women and can also vary in different pregnancies for the same woman. Take this into consideration when trying to 'interpret the numbers'. During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, the level itself is not as important. Some normal pregnancies will have quite low HCG levels and still progress, ending in the birth of a healthy baby.
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