HCG levels peak at what stage of pregnancy?

The article was professionally consulted by Dr., Doctor Ngo Thi Uyen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Nha Trang International Hospital

The hormone hCG is secreted by the placenta during pregnancy. The concentration of hCG in the blood of pregnant women changes over the weeks of gestation with a huge difference in the lowest and highest concentrations. However, a gradual increase in concentration, then a gradual decrease and a start to level off also occurred at both the highest and the lowest levels. This shows that the hCG level does not matter whether it is high or low, but only whether the concentration increases, decreases and stops.

HCG stands for the hormone Chorionic gonadotropin in the human body and is produced during pregnancy. HCG is secreted by trophoblast cells of the placenta shortly after egg fertilization. The rapid rise in serum hCG levels after conception makes it a signal for the diagnosis of late pregnancy and for monitoring gestational age ((monitoring fetal growth during the first weeks of pregnancy).
HCG appears to maintain the corpus luteum. It allows the synthesis of progesterone and estrogen and supports the endometrium which is an important indicator of pregnancy. Beta hCG is checked through a blood test of the mother during pregnancy. about 8-9 days after ovulation.

Table to monitor beta -hCG levels based on gestational age (from the first day of the last menstrual period):

2.1 Low hCG levels Inaccurate gestational age Miscarriage or abortion Ectopic pregnancy 2.2 High hCG levels Multiple pregnancy Elevated beta-hCG eggs with AFP can cause Down syndrome

hCG levels peak around 8-10 weeks of pregnancy. From the 10th week onwards until the late stage of pregnancy, the placenta secretes hCG instead of the trophoblast to maintain the life and development of the fetus, the trophoblast is reduced, the trophoblast layer also decrease and become thin so that the secretion of hCG is reduced and hCG is no longer in the maternal blood for 4-6 weeks postpartum.
Beta HCG test only helps to identify pregnancy, monitors fetal development through the development of the placenta, but does not completely reflect the gender, weight, and intelligence of the fetus. Therefore, mothers should not be too worried about beta HCG levels, should not monitor the test continuously, while the baby's health can also be assessed through other indicators, other means. Accordingly, what needs to be done is that pregnant women should take care of themselves, have regular antenatal checkups, combine proper eating, exercise and rest, and be ready to welcome the birth of their baby.

Vinmec International General Hospital offers a Package Maternity Care Program for pregnant women right from the first months of pregnancy with a full range of antenatal check-ups, periodical 3D and 4D ultrasounds and other routine tests to ensure that the mother is healthy and the fetus is developing comprehensively. Pregnant women will no longer be alone when entering labor because having a loved one to help them during childbirth always brings peace of mind and happiness.