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Your at-homepregnancy testconfirmed the big news when it found hCG aka thepregnancy hormone in your urine.
What is hCG?
Though hCG production kicks in ASAP after implantation, the levels start off very low.
A blood test can typically detect hCG sooner as early as six days after fertilization.
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HCG can affect your body in other ways.
It can weaken your immune system andmake you more susceptible to coldsor infections.
Its also thought to be the culprit behindunpleasant pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness.
(Not fun, but a small price to pay for your sweet little bundle, right?)
What are normal hCG levels by pregnancy week?
Curious about where your numbers stand?
As long as your practitioner confirms that your pregnancy is progressing as it should, don’t worry.
If you are concerned, talk with your doctor about your results.
Are my hCG levels normal?
This might, naturally, leave you wondering whether you have normal hCG levels or not.
The rapid increase peaks somewhere between seven and 12 weeks after yourlast period, and then starts to decline.
While it might sound like a predictable increase, levels aren’t even close to predictable.
AndhCG levels with twinstend to be much higher than with singletons.
Some embryos are simply zippier than others.
It’s also completely normal for that wide range in levels to persist throughout pregnancy.
What causes low hCG levels or levels that don’t rise as expected?
So look for a pattern of increasing levels instead of focusing too much on a single number.
It can be tempting to try remedies or foods that purportedly help raise your hCG levels.
Unfortunately, theres no way to change your hCG levels or make them go up.
As long as your levels are trending upwards, you shouldnt worry about trying to make them even higher.
Can you still be pregnant with low hCG levels?
The important thing is that your levels are trending upwards overall.
Early on, rising hCG levels are a sign that your pregnancy is progressing as it should be.
But your levels dont necessarily have to look just like someone elses to count as normal.
