Small symptoms suggest a future pregnancy, is it time to check for the presence of the beta hCG hormone? Nicknamed the pregnancy hormone , beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) can be detected from the first day of a late period by urine or blood test!
Because we know how important it is for expectant mothers to understand their bodily changes , we explain in detail the role and functioning of the hCG hormone. Discover as a bonus, the benefits of our anti-stretch mark routine to take care of yourself during these nine months!
What is beta hCG hormone?
Beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is the famous hormone that can detect pregnancy ! Produced by the cells of the placenta ( trophoblastic cells) 6 days after conception (at the time of implantation), beta HCG serves to support the corpus luteum (ovarian secretions) to prevent the return of menstruation and stimulate the production of progesterone: essential to ensure the normal development of a pregnancy.
Commonly referred to as the pregnancy hormone, the action of hCG can be summed up in three points:
- Keep the corpus luteum active for progesterone production
- Avoid the return of periods
- Stimulate the production of other necessary hormones
Side effects of beta hCG? Nausea, fatigue, sore breasts, and yes, the hCG hormone is one of the culprits of your early pregnancy symptoms!
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How is the pregnancy hormone secreted?
The secretion of beta hCG begins as soon as the embryo is implanted in the uterus . Specifically, the placenta develops and produces this hormone after fertilization to ensure the proper progress of the early pregnancy and the development of the embryo.
Secreted from the first days of pregnancy, the hCG level doubles approximately every two to three days to reach its maximum level towards the end of the first trimester of pregnancy!
Did you know? In multiple pregnancies, the beta hCG level is higher and varies depending on the number of implanted embryos. Why? The more embryos there are, the more the placental cells secrete the hCG hormone.
Here is the evolution of the beta-HCG rate according to the weeks of pregnancy:
- Between 0.2 and 1 week: BHCG level between 5 and 50
- Between 1 to 2 weeks: BH CG rate between 50 and 500
- Between 2 to 3 weeks: BH CG rate between 100 and 5,000
- Between 3 at 4 weeks: BH CG rate between 500 and 10,000
- Between 4 and 5 weeks: BH CG rate between 1,000 and 50,000
- Between 5 and 6 weeks : BH CG rate between 10,000 and 100,000
- Between 6 and 8 weeks: BH CG rate between 15,000 and 200,000
- 2 to 3 months: BHCG levels between 10,000 and 100,000
Beta HCG stabilizes and decreases during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
How to interpret hCG hormone level results? The level appears on your blood test results and indicates whether or not your pregnancy is progressing well. A level between 5 and 50 IU/L should be checked on a new sample 48 to 72 hours later. If the level is abnormally low, this may indicate an ectopic pregnancy, a miscarriage or a blighted ovum. Conversely, a level of beta hCG that is too high may indicate a multiple pregnancy or a more advanced stage of pregnancy!
Please note: Consult a midwife, sonographer or gynecologist to perform the dating ultrasound. Only this examination will be able to correctly date the beginning of your pregnancy.
How to detect pregnancy hormone?
Urine test
The urine pregnancy test detects the presence of the beta hormone hCG in the urine from the first day of a missed period . Simple and quick, it is often used to confirm a pregnancy. This test is available in pharmacies and can be done at home. You will quickly have a positive or negative result. If done too early, you could have a false negative. But there are also early tests that can be done a few days before the expected date of your period . If in doubt about the result, opt for a blood test.
Blood test
Beta HCG circulates in the woman's blood and can therefore be easily measured by taking a blood test. To confirm pregnancy, a blood test is more accurate than a urine test to measure beta hCG levels. It allows you to monitor the progress of your pregnancy and detect any problems in the progress of your pregnancy. It is advisable to take a second test 48 hours after the first to confirm that your pregnancy is progressing well.
The blood test to perform the beta HGC is reimbursed by social security if you present a prescription. Otherwise, expect to pay between 15 and 20 euros to perform this test at your own expense.
Note: The blood test can detect pregnancy earlier than the urine test , about 6 to 8 days after ovulation.
Taking care of yourself during pregnancy
You just took your pregnancy test and good news, you're pregnant! From a medical point of view, your hCG hormone level is perfect: your pregnancy is progressing normally.
To help you live serenely these coming months, Laboratoires Téane have thought of everything with targeted and 100% natural treatments. What if you put all the chances on your side to avoid the appearance of stretch marks thanks to a good routine from the beginning?
Our advice: use our Téane anti-stretch mark routine dedicated to pregnant women from the first trimester, applying the products twice a day with a gentle massage! If the first stretch marks appear, reinforce your routine with our SOS stretch mark balm !
To discover our products and our advice for a peaceful pregnancy, visit our website! Téane products are certified organic and 100% natural, designed to meet the specific needs of pregnant women.
