Normal Levels of HCG & Progesterone

Overview

Pregnancy is an intricate development of cells which multiply and eventually form a baby. Hormones play a complex role in this metamorphosis and assist physicians in determining the healthy progression of a pregnancy or potential problems. Understanding what these key hormones do and the information they provide may help in understanding the process.

Functions of hCG

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, or hCG, is a hormone only present during pregnancy. It is produced by the cells that make up the placenta and provides nourishment for the egg once it is fertilized and attaches to the uterus. Levels of hCG are present throughout pregnancy, however they increase dramatically during the first trimester and then begin to level off and eventually decline.

Functions of Progesterone

Progesterone is the hormone that helps maintain a pregnancy for the entire gestation. Prior to conception progesterone is released by the corpus luteum to help build up the uterine lining in preparation for implantation. Once fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum will continue to release progesterone until week 10 of the pregnancy, at which time the placenta has developed enough to take over. Progesterone also limits the immune response, prevents early contractions and decreases prostaglandins.

Levels of hCG

During pregnancy, the levels of hCG will vary from one woman to another. When analyzing hCG levels, the most important factor is that the numbers are doubling, at least, every 48 to 72 hours. To achieve a positive pregnancy test, the hCG level must be at 25 mIU/ml or higher. During a normal pregnancy, hCG levels will start around 5 mIU/ml -- milli-International Units per Milliliter -- and may eventually rise to around 300,000 mIU/ml by the end of the first trimester. At that point ultrasounds are the best indicator of a healthy pregnancy rather than hCG levels.

Levels of Progesterone

Progesterone levels vary considerably from one woman to another during pregnancy and also rise as the pregnancy progresses. A normal gestation will see an increase in progesterone of 1 to 3 ng/ml, or nanograms per milliliter, about every two days. A guide for progesterone levels is 9 to 46 ng/ml in the first trimester, increasing to about 17 to 146 ng/ml in the second trimester with a culmination in the third trimester of 49 to 300 ng/ml. It is important to remember the increase in progesterone is often more important than the actual number.

Considerations

In cases where a pregnancy is not progressing normally, a woman's hormone levels may indicate a problem. If there is a threatened miscarriage both hCG and progesterone will be low and not increasing as expected. When a miscarriage does occur, both hormone levels will drop significantly. In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, hCG levels may increase normally for a while but progesterone will stay low and not progress. It is important to refer to your doctor if you suspect a problem. HCG and progesterone levels vary so dramatically from one woman to another that one woman's hormone levels indicating miscarriage could be the same levels for another woman's successful pregnancy.

Basal body temperature measuring method explained practically

A method to calculate the fertile days, which is so simple that it can be easily used by every woman at home, is the basal body temperature measurement method. It is used for natural family planning (and is not one hundred percent reliable), but may also wish to baby-planning can be used.

Under "basal" refers to the body temperature without physical stress, ie Sleep.
In the cycle of a woman has the typical basal body temperature fluctuations. From the end of menstruation until ovulation, the temperature is low, it falls back to ovulate again. After ovulation the basal body temperature rises, however, by up to 0.5 degree. Until the onset of the rules remains high temperature.
Through daily measurement of body temperature close to the time of ovulation. So you can see the optimum conception date.
Basal body temperature curve

The curve shows the course of a cycle from the first day without any bleeding until the end of the rule. Clearly visible is the temperature drop a few days ago and the rose-for ovulation.


How do I measure the basal body temperature?

writing for the recording of basal body temperature need something within reach on your nightstand, and a thermometer. To measure normal fever thermometers are unsuitable. Instead, you take a digital thermometer that displays two decimal places. Everything else is too vague.

You start a measurement cycle on the first Menstruationstag.

The measurement must be made after a long resting phase, at least five hours of sleep. Therefore, you measure the best in the morning, around the same time, the same body part and on as the same way (easiest oral) and still in bed, before you start your day, even before you speak. Every effort before getting up would distort the result.
The best thing is, you put your alarm clock so that you can measure your temperature at the same time.

The temperature reading is then recorded and entered as a point in a table. The individual items you are connecting with each other. Forget about you once a measurement, a gap remains in the table. The table also features should be noted about the use of alcohol, illness or taking medication. This can distort the temperature. Wear too, if you had sex with your partner.

The temperature chart evaluate
The analysis of the monthly table takes practice, as the temperature line, either before, during, or after ovulation proceeds evenly. Rather, it formed a zigzag pattern. This increases abruptly by up to 0.5 degrees and remains high for several days, ovulation has occurred. This higher temperature level is maintained until the onset of the new cycle. The day of ovulation is approximately 14 days prior to expected start of menstruation.

Since sperm are viable for up to three days, the fertile period begins four days before the temperature rise and ends two days later. Then the infertile period.

For many women - not all - the temperature drops during ovulation and lowest on the eve of a high temperature increases their level. If you notice a sudden drop to about 0.10 or 0.15 level, you should have safe transport. For you and your partner does the temperature drop, that you now have the best chance of conception.

The daily temperature variations are low and to evaluate properly the temperature table, must first help your doctor if necessary. It takes a little practice. The more regular your cycle is, the clearer it will emerge but a monthly recurring pattern. After two or three rounds can be distinguished from infertile phases and fertile well - important for the baby planning forecasts as well.

Nausea, symptoms of pregnant

I feel nausea. Can I be pregnant?

Nausea and vomiting, better known under the name of the disease early in the pregnancy. If you miss a time, and you know, nausea or vomiting, you may very well be that the pregnancy. Morning sickness occurs in about 70% of the pregnancy.

How can I at the beginning of nausea during pregnancy?

Morning sickness usually begins sometimes between four to eight weeks and the subsidies of 16 weeks. Some women suffer from the disease very early in the morning. Even before a pregnancy test.

What are the causes of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy?

The cause of morning sickness are not well understood. Conviction is that the high estrogen, progesterone and hCG in the body.
The treatment of nausea and vomiting at the beginning of pregnancy

Normally, conservation measures, like eating toast or biscuits before they are out of bed is recommended. If the morning is a serious disease, your doctor supply of medicines in May. Ask your doctor before taking medicines.