What are hCG levels?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone mainly linked to pregnancy. The level of hCG in your body is used to confirm pregnancy, check for pregnancy-related issues and sometimes to help diagnose certain types of tumours.

hCG is made by your placenta during pregnancy. It helps your body produce a hormone called progesterone, which is important for your baby’s growth during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, hCG can be found in your urine (wee) and blood. Blood tests that measure the specific level of hCG in your blood can help check how your pregnancy is progressing.

Sometimes, unusual hCG levels may suggest a problem. Checking them is an important part of your pregnancy care.

Confirming your pregnancy

Finding hCG in your urine or blood helps confirm your pregnancy. After implantation of the embryo in your uterus, your growing placenta begins to make and release hCG. It takes about 2 weeks for your hCG levels to be high enough to be detected by a home pregnancy test.

A positive home pregnancy test result is usually accurate when used correctly at the right time, such as after a missed period. If you test too early, your hCG levels might be too low to be detected, giving you a false negative result.

If your test is negative on the first day after your missed period, wait a week. If you still think you might be pregnant, retest. You can also see your doctor to check.

Your doctor may refer you for a blood test if they need more information about your hCG levels.

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hCG blood levels

If you’re pregnant, low levels of hCG can usually be found in your blood about 6 to 10 days after ovulation.

hCG levels are highest towards the end of your first trimester, and then they gradually decrease through the rest of your pregnancy.

You might have a higher-than-expected hCG level if you are pregnant with twins or triplets. It may also be caused by an abnormal growth in your uterus (womb).

Falling hCG levels may indicate a pregnancy loss (miscarriage).

Low levels of hCG or levels that rise more slowly than expected may be due to an ectopic pregnancy. It may also mean you are at risk of miscarriage.

If you’re worried about your hCG levels, speak to your doctor or maternity healthcare professional.

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hCG levels and multiple pregnancies

A high level could mean you are carrying multiple babies, but there are also other causes. An ultrasound is the only way to confirm a multiple pregnancy.

Resources and support

• Australian Clinical Labs provides information about early pregnancy tests.
• Pregnancy Help Australia offers help sheets and resources for unexpected or difficult pregnancies.
• The Queensland Government offers information about what to expect during pregnancy.

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby offers more information on topics, such as:

• early signs of pregnancy
• routine antenatal tests
• calculating your due date

Other languages

For pregnancy information in languages other than English visit:

• The Multicultural Health Communication Service
• The Royal Women's Hospital

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

• Learn more about Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander pregnancy health on Stronger Bubba Born or watch the How to Have a Safer Pregnancy video.
• The Australian Nurse-Family Partnership Program (ANFPP) supports pregnant Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.