Table of Contents
- Overview
- Results
- Risks
- Prevention
- Images
HCG levels rise rapidly during the first trimester of pregnancy and then slightly decline.
What abnormal results mean
HCG levels should almost double every 48 hours in the beginning of a pregnancy. HCG levels that do not rise appropriately may indicate a problem with your pregnancy. Some problems associated with an abnormally rising HCG level include
Extremely high levels of HCG may suggest a molar pregnancy or more than one fetus -- for example, twins.
Your health care provider will understand the significance of your HCG levels, and he or she should discuss the levels with you.
Images
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Review Date: 11/21/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department
of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget
Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department
of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
