The human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone is known to support the normal growth and development of an egg in a woman’s ovary. To perform that crucial function, HCG tells the body to continue releasing progesterone. This helps prevent menstruation, thereby protecting the endometrial uterine lining and the pregnancy.
HCG also stimulates the release of female eggs during ovulation. The hormone is produced by the placenta, with secretion peaking after the implantation of an embryo in the uterus.
By supporting ovulation, HCG plays a huge role in treating or preventing infertility in women. The hormone may also help increase sperm count in men. Plus, it can be administered to young boys to help their testicles drop down into the scrotum. But unlike women who produce HCG naturally, men mostly benefit from supplements.
Being such a useful hormone in the body, it’s understandable why some women may want to ramp up their HCG levels during pregnancy through injections. But are HCG injections safe and helpful for expecting moms? Read on to find out.
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What Are Normal HCG Levels?
The functions of HCG in the body cannot be overemphasized. The hormone plays a direct role in stimulating ovulation and sperm production. If administered in the right doses and at the right time, HCG can help treat infertility in women and men alike.
However, despite being a useful hormone, many women suffer from low HCG levels. The best part is that there are various places where you can try high-quality HCG injections in Canada. You only need to find a reputable clinic.
But before you go for HCG supplements, it’s best to start by understanding what’s considered normal HCG levels.
First off, note that HCG levels can vary dramatically from one woman to another. That’s because the levels of this hormone in the body depend on factors like a woman’s response to pregnancy and the number of embryos they’re carrying.
Another thing worth noting is that HCG levels increase until you’re about 10 – 12 weeks pregnant. After the 12th week, HCG levels may plateau or begin to drop gradually.
The following are the normal HCG levels for most women during various pregnancy stages;
- 3 Weeks: 5 – 50 milli-international units per milliliter of blood (mIU/mL)
- 6 Weeks: 1,080 – 56,500 mIU/mL
- 9 – 12 Weeks: 25,700 – 288,000 mIU/mL
- 17 – 24 weeks: 4,060 – 165,400 mIU/mL
- 25 – 40 Weeks: 3,640 – 117,000 mIU/mL
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What Causes Low HCG Levels In Women?
The most common cause of low HCG levels is gestational age miscalculation. In other words, low HCG levels will usually be detected because a woman miscalculated the duration of their pregnancy. The following are other potential causes of low HCG levels;
Miscarriage
Low HCG levels resulting from miscarriages normally occur before 20 weeks of gestation.
In some cases, having low HCG levels during pregnancy could signify an imminent miscarriage.
Common signs of miscarriage include vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramps, and the cessation of other pregnancy symptoms.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy takes place when the fertilized egg develops in the fallopian tube instead of the ovary.
Besides causing low HCG levels, ectopic pregnancy may also induce vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and pain during intercourse.
Blighted Ovum
A blighted ovum takes place when a fertilized egg gets attached to the womb walls but doesn’t develop.
This phenomenon may not interfere with a woman’s menstrual cycle. But it can make it harder to conceive.
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Can HCG Injections Help During Pregnancy?
It’s worth noting that low HCG levels are usually not a cause for alarm unless there’s an underlying medical condition behind it. Many women with low HCG levels will still experience normal pregnancies and deliver healthy babies.
However, it’s natural to be worried about your HCG levels during gestation. That’s especially considering that some of the potential causes of low HCG levels may also interfere with the entire pregnancy.
But can HCG injections help during pregnancy?
The answer can be either a yes or a no, depending on what you want to achieve.
The main reason women go for HCG supplements is to conceive. Since you’re already pregnant, there’s no point in taking HCG injections.
But if healthy embryonic development is your primary focus, you might consider HCG supplements during gestation.
Perhaps the more pertinent query to settle down on here would be – are HCG injections safe during pregnancy?
Gynecologists generally discourage HCG injections during pregnancy. While HCG can help you get pregnant and even support the healthy development of your embryo, taking HCG injections during pregnancy might cause congenital disabilities.
Taking HCG during the gestation period might trigger a host of other side effects, including;
- Headache
- Irritability
- Lethargy
- Breast tenderness
- Blood clot
- Pelvic pain
- Pain and inflammation in the stomach
- Inflammation of the legs or hands
- Changes in bladder activity
However, the situation might not always be as grim as it sounds. It’s still possible to take HCG injections during pregnancy.
Make sure to consult a gynecologist. The physician will conduct several blood tests to determine whether you can safely have the injections.
The risks of HCG injections during pregnancy also depend on the doses consumed. Lower HCG supplements tend to be more effective, while higher doses are counterproductive.
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Final Word
Human chorionic gonadotropin is a critical hormone that supports fertility and embryonic development. However, it’s recommended to consult a licensed gynecologist before taking HCG supplements during pregnancy.