1. What is hCG?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It's the hormone detected by pregnancy tests and its levels can provide information about pregnancy progression.

2. How Does hCG Relate to Pregnancy Weeks?

hCG levels typically double every 48-72 hours in early pregnancy, peaking around 8-11 weeks before declining and leveling off for the remainder of pregnancy. While there's a wide range of normal hCG values, general ranges can provide an estimate of gestational age.

Typical hCG ranges by week:

• 3 weeks: 5-50 mIU/mL
• 4 weeks: 5-426 mIU/mL
• 5 weeks: 18-7,340 mIU/mL
• 6 weeks: 1,080-56,500 mIU/mL
• 7-8 weeks: 7,650-229,000 mIU/mL
• 9-12 weeks: 25,700-288,000 mIU/mL
• 13-16 weeks: 13,300-254,000 mIU/mL
• 17-24 weeks: 4,060-165,400 mIU/mL
• 25-40 weeks: 3,640-117,000 mIU/mL

3. Importance of hCG Monitoring

Details: Monitoring hCG levels helps confirm pregnancy viability, detect potential issues like ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, and assess pregnancy progression. However, ultrasound remains the gold standard for dating pregnancy.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your hCG level in mIU/mL. Remember that hCG levels vary significantly between individuals, and this calculator provides only an approximate estimation based on typical ranges.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is hCG for dating pregnancy?
A: hCG provides a rough estimate but is not as accurate as ultrasound for dating pregnancy, especially after the first trimester.

Q2: What if my hCG level doesn't match the expected range?
A: hCG levels vary widely. Consult your healthcare provider who will consider your specific situation and may order additional tests.

Q3: How often should hCG levels be tested?
A: Typically, healthcare providers order two tests 48 hours apart to check if levels are rising appropriately in early pregnancy.

Q4: Can anything affect hCG levels besides pregnancy?
A: Certain medications, medical conditions, and recent pregnancy loss can affect hCG levels.

Q5: When is the best time to test hCG levels?
A: For most accurate results, testing should be done at the same time of day if monitoring trends, as levels can fluctuate.