Everything you need to know about hCG, the pregnancy hormone

The hormone hCG, or as it is also known in medical language, human chorionic gonadotropin, can normally be detected with a simple urine test before the onset of menstruation. In some cases, however, it can take several days after the delay in menstruation for the hormone to reach a high enough level to be detected. Find out with Barza how exactly and how early you can detect hCG, the pregnancy hormone, in your body!

Why hCG, the pregnancy hormone, is important

The hormone hCG plays a key role in helping the pregnancy to grow into the second trimester. During this period, the placenta becomes well developed enough to be able to take over the pregnancy completely. At the same time, it is a key element in the formation of the testicles, if the baby will be a boy, as well as in the secretion of estrogen.

The hCG hormone is also responsible for many of the changes we women go through when we are expecting the baby. Positive emotions, restlessness, morning sickness are triggered by this hormone.

Everything you need to know about hCG levels

If you have had fertility problems or a miscarriage, your hCG level should be checked frequently at the start of your pregnancy. It is recommended to check it two or three times a week by taking blood samples.

Normally, this hormone doubles its concentration within two to three days and steadily increases until it reaches the optimal level for normal pregnancy development.

If the doctor finds slow or insufficient growth, the pregnancy may not progress beyond the first trimester. When hCG values are up to three times higher, it means that the joy will be double: a twin pregnancy is announced!

The level of hCG, the pregnancy hormone, can also be detected with a blood test about 11 days after conception and with a urine test 12-14 days after conception. The stork has good news! You don’t have to wait that long if you want to find out sooner. The Ultrasensitive Barza Test can be used as early as 5 days before your next period is due.

You should, however, bear in mind the following: if you use the test before the day you expect your period and get a negative result, your hormone level may not be high enough to be detected. In this case, repeat the test after a few days.

How to detect hCG hormone

When pregnancy sets in, the hCG hormone also appears. It stops ovulation and also confirms conception. To detect this hormone, you can use either a classic Barza Pregnancy Test, an Ultrasensitive Barza Pregnancy Test or a Blood Pregnancy Test.

The Classic Barza test quickly detects the presence of pregnancy hormone in the urine from the first day of the late menstrual cycle.

But if you’re impatient, you can use the Ultrasensitive Barza Test. It detects even a very low level of hCG in urine, as low as 10 mIU/m. This makes it possible to detect pregnancy five days before the next likely menstrual period.

If you need to get extra confirmation, a blood pregnancy test can be an inspired choice. Indicates the presence of a pregnancy from the first days after implantation.