So, you're pregnant! Congratulations! One of the first things you might hear about is hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin. It's the hormone your body produces during pregnancy, and measuring its levels can provide valuable insights into your pregnancy's progress.
But what are 'normal' hCG levels, and how do they change week by week? While every pregnancy is unique, understanding general ranges can be helpful. Typically, hCG levels double approximately every 48-72 hours in early pregnancy. As a rough guide, at 4 weeks LMP (last menstrual period) levels might be between 5 - 426 mIU/mL. By 5 weeks, this range could be 18 - 7,340 mIU/mL. Levels generally peak around 8-11 weeks and then decline.
It's important to remember these are just averages! A single hCG number isn't as crucial as the trend. Your doctor will likely order serial hCG tests to monitor the rate of increase or decrease. Abnormal rises or drops can sometimes indicate potential issues, so always discuss your specific results and concerns with your healthcare provider. They are best equipped to interpret your individual hCG levels and ensure a healthy pregnancy journey.
