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When Should I Use an hCG Blood Test?

If you think you may be pregnant, your doctor may recommend an hCG blood test to check for pregnancy.

What is hCG?

In early pregnancy, the placenta secretes the hormone Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).HCG is a marker of pregnancy because levels of hCG continue to rise as the pregnancy progresses.

An hCG blood test can often provide the earliest indication of pregnancy, even before a woman notices any physical symptoms.

The test evaluates the amount and type of hCG hormone in the blood. This test can detect a pregnancy as early as five days after ovulation. The blood hCG levels double every 48 hours. So two reports of rising hCG may confirm pregnancy.

Some doctors use this hCG test to monitor the progress of a pregnancy. This means that the baby is developing healthily.

Additionally, an hCG test can help diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, a miscarriage, or a molar pregnancy. If the hCG levels are not doubling, it is unlikely to be a normal pregnancy.

If you are experiencing abnormal menstrual cycles, your doctor may advise you to take an hCG blood test, as it can help diagnose any potential medical issues.

Pregnancy

There are many steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy, and one of the most important is having regular prenatal care.

The blood test can detect hCG in the blood approximately 7-10 days after conception. But hCG will appear in urine approximately 12 to 14 days later. Thus, the blood test can detect pregnancy earlier.

HCG Tests For Fertility Treatments

If you are having difficulty getting pregnant, you may have heard about the hCG blood test. You may know it as the pregnancy hormone. But hCG is not just for pregnant women.

Doctors use this blood test to monitor women while getting pregnancy fertility treatment. A doctor will prescribe this blood test as it is a quick and simple test to determine ovulation and conception.

Hormonal Imbalances

Common symptoms associated with hormone imbalances are as below. These patients might need an hCG blood test.

• Irregular periods
• Weight gain
• Bloating
• Mood swings.

In addition, the hCG test is a vital diagnostic tool for identifying factors interfering with your fertility.

Pregnancy Complications

An hCG blood test can help identify potential abnormalities and complications in the developing foetus. It can also help determine the fetal gestational age and whether or not there are multiple pregnancies (twin).

Furthermore, an hCG test is used if the doctor has any concerns about:

• A possible ectopic or molar pregnancy
• If the woman has had previous pregnancy issues.

Cancers

Although hCG is a pregnancy marker, some cancers too can produce it.

This blood test can be used to identify specific cancers.

Signs You Should Be Using an hCG Test

It is essential to identify when to perform Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) blood test.

Several symptoms might indicate that the test is required.

For example, if a woman experiences any of the following,

• Missed period
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Fatigue
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Abdominal pain
• Any signs of vaginal bleeding.
• A positive at-home pregnancy test

Consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether an hCG blood test is necessary.

Determining hCG Levels in Blood

After determining that an hCG blood test is necessary, it is essential to understand the various levels of pregnancy hormones and the different cutoff levels used to diagnose a pregnancy.

Women should be aware of the different stages of hCG levels, including early pregnancy, late pregnancy, and postpartum.

A healthcare provider can use the results to assess the level of hCG hormones in the body and determine if the fetus is progressing normally in the womb.

How Much Time Will It Take To See Results?

An hCG blood test measures the levels of the hCG hormone in the bloodstream, and the results are available after about 1 to 2 hours of testing.

Results can differ depending on pre-existing medical conditions, so it is worth seeking a medical professional to evaluate the results to make the best decision for any health-related issues.

Furthermore, this blood test is not only for determining pregnancy but also can help to provide an understanding of any issues that may arise, including potential risks or complications.

Some Additional Points For Consideration

There are a few additional points to consider when performing an hCG test.

For example, it is worth noting that the test results may vary slightly from one laboratory to another, so it is essential to confirm the results with your healthcare provider.

Finally, it is important to remember that the test results are only diagnostic tools. It is not a substitute for medical advice from your healthcare provider.

Takeaway

In conclusion, an hCG blood test is a great way to determine if you're pregnant, but it's not always accurate.

It's important to remember that many other factors can affect the results and cause false positives or negatives.

If you're not sure if you are pregnant, it's best to wait until you get a positive result from an ultrasound or other method of determining pregnancy status.

Order a Welzo at-home Pregnancy Test or Pregnancy Progress Test by clicking on the links, or browse our Women's Health Hub information here to view more test options.