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- Katılım
- 4/6/24
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What Is Beta hCG?
Week-by-Week hCG Levels During Pregnancy and How to Interpret Them
Beta hCG (β-hCG) is the blood-measured subunit of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, which is produced by the placenta shortly after implantation. It is one of the most important markers used to confirm pregnancy and monitor its early progression.
What Is Beta hCG Used For?
- Confirming pregnancy
- Estimating gestational age in early pregnancy
- Monitoring whether the pregnancy is progressing normally
- Evaluating possible ectopic pregnancy or risk of miscarriage
- Detecting rare conditions such as molar pregnancy
A single value is less important than how the level changes over time, especially over 48 hours.
How Does hCG Increase During Pregnancy?
- In early pregnancy, hCG levels usually double every 48–72 hours
- Levels peak around 8–10 weeks
- After the first trimester, levels gradually decrease and stabilize
Beta hCG Levels by Week of Pregnancy
(Ranges may vary between laboratories.)| Pregnancy Week | Beta hCG (mIU/mL) |
|---|---|
| 3 weeks | 5 – 50 |
| 4 weeks | 5 – 426 |
| 5 weeks | 18 – 7,340 |
| 6 weeks | 1,080 – 56,500 |
| 7–8 weeks | 7,650 – 229,000 |
| 9–12 weeks | 25,700 – 288,000 |
| 13–16 weeks | 13,300 – 254,000 |
| 17–24 weeks | 4,060 – 165,400 |
| 25–40 weeks | 3,640 – 117,000 |
How to Interpret Beta hCG Results
- Low or slowly rising hCG:
May suggest ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage risk, or late implantation. - Higher than expected hCG:
Can be seen in twin or multiple pregnancies, or rarely molar pregnancy. - Normal rise:
An increase of about 60–100% every 48 hours in early pregnancy is generally reassuring.
Important: hCG values alone cannot diagnose pregnancy problems. Ultrasound findings and a healthcare provider’s evaluation are essential.
