Unusually high or low hCG levels can sometimes

The pregnancy hormone you’re likely referring to is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced by the placenta shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. It is often referred to as the “pregnancy hormone” because its presence in the body is a key indicator of pregnancy.

hCG plays several important roles during early pregnancy:

1. Pregnancy Confirmation: One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is the rise in hCG levels. Home pregnancy tests work by detecting hCG in urine. A positive test result indicates the presence of hCG and confirms pregnancy.

2. Maintaining Corpus Luteum: After an egg is released from the ovary, the follicle that contained it becomes the corpus pregnancy hormone luteum. If pregnancy occurs, the embryo releases hCG, which signals the corpus luteum to continue producing progesterone. Progesterone is necessary to maintain the uterine lining and support the early stages of pregnancy.

3. Pregnancy Monitoring: The levels of hCG increase rapidly in early pregnancy and peak around the 10th week. Monitoring hCG levels can help estimate the gestational age and health of the pregnancy. Abnormalities in hCG levels might indicate a potential issue, such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

4. Detecting Abnormalities: Unusually high or low hCG levels can sometimes be associated with certain pregnancy complications, such as molar pregnancies or chromosomal abnormalities.