Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy. In early pregnancy, its levels typically exhibit a rapid increase, approximately doubling every 48 to 72 hours. This exponential rise is a key indicator of a viable pregnancy in its initial stages. For example, a woman with an hCG level of 100 mIU/mL might expect it to rise to around 200 mIU/mL within two days.
The doubling time of hCG is a valuable tool for healthcare providers. Monitoring the rate of increase can help to assess the health and progression of the pregnancy. Deviations from the expected doubling time may prompt further investigation to rule out potential complications such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. Historically, hCG monitoring has played a crucial role in managing early pregnancy concerns.
