Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It can be measured in both urine and blood, and blood tests that measure hCG levels can be used to check how well a pregnancy is progressing. The levels of hCG in the blood gradually go up as the pregnancy progresses, and they are highest towards the end of the first trimester. The expected hCG ranges in pregnant women are based on the length of the pregnancy, and they can vary from woman to woman. Here are some general guidelines for hCG levels during pregnancy:

• 3 weeks: 5 - 72 mIU/mL
• 4 weeks: 10 - 708 mIU/mL
• 5 weeks: 217 - 8,245 mIU/mL
• 6 weeks: 152 - 32,177 mIU/mL
• 7 weeks: 4,059 - 153,767 mIU/mL
• 8-12 weeks: 32,000 - 210,000 µ/L
• 13-16 weeks: 9,000 - 210,000 µ/L
• 16-29 weeks (second trimester): 1,400 - 53,000 µ/L
• 29-41 weeks (third trimester): 940 - 60,000 µ/L

An hCG level of less than 5 mIU/mL is considered negative for pregnancy, and anything above 25 mIU/mL is considered positive for pregnancy. However, an hCG level between 6 and 24 mIU/mL is considered a grey area, and you may need to be retested to see if your levels rise to confirm a pregnancy. Its important to note that the level of hCG is not necessarily what matters, but rather the change in the level. If you have concerns about your hCG levels, its best to speak with your healthcare provider.