The Human Chorionic gonadotropin hormone (HCG) is an amazing molecule. It is only produced during pregnancy by cells that are earmarked to develop into the placenta after conception occurs. These specialized cells are called trophoblasts. Upon implantation of the embryo into the uterine lining, these cells begin to produce HCG. The level of the HCG hormone in the blood rises slowly over the first few days. It takes about 2 weeks for the HCG level to be high enough to be detected in a woman’s blood and urine. This is why the first blood pregnancy test is performed 14 days after the embryo transfer. Throughout the first 2 weeks of pregnancy , the IVF clinic monitors your HCG level frequently.
A successful implantation of the embryo will result in a positive pregnancy test. The HCG level will continue to increase, doubling every 48 to 72 hours. If the doubling of the level is continuous and consistent, this means that the cells of the embryo are dividing well. This suggests that the pregnancy is progressing well and the embryo is healthy. Reviews of the HCG level during the first few weeks of pregnancy gives IVF specialists like Dr. Malpani an idea of how well your pregnancy is growing. Should there be a drop in the HCG level during this time, it may be an indication that the pregnancy has failed. To ensure continuity of monitoring, it’s important that women have their HCG levels tested in the same lab each time. This will prevent discrepancies in the results associated with varied lab procedures and standards.
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