What is hCG? What is the function of hCG during pregnancy?

hCG is an acronym of Human chorionic gonadotropin or human chorionic gonadotrophin. hCG is produced after an egg is fertilized and developing, and thereafter produced by Syncytiotrophoblasts which is part of placenta. It prevents disintegration of corpus luteum of the ovary and thus maintains progesterone production.

Progesterone enriches the uterus with a thick lining of blood vessels and capillaries so that it can sustain the growing fetus. Menstruation will not occur due to the dynamic interaction between hCG and progesterone.

Our pregnancy tests detect hCG at 25mIU, which is typically the level achieved at around a week after ovulation. If a faint positive test line is shown, repeat the test in a day or two using first morning urine and the line should be more obvious while more hCG accumulates.

Be aware that some prescription fertility drugs which are designed to induce ovulation could contain hCG and thus result in a "false positive", so if you are taking fertility drugs, consult your doctor and be advised if they contain hCG. Clomid, the most frequently used prescribed drug for fertility, does not contain the pregnancy hormone.