When is hCG Detectable During Pregnancy?

Learn when hCG levels become detectable in pregnancy tests and why it's important for prenatal care.

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hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is typically detectable in urine and blood tests around the fourth week of pregnancy. This corresponds to about 10 days after fertilization, or roughly the time of a missed menstrual period. Early detection can be critical for prenatal care, so taking a test if you suspect pregnancy is essential.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is hCG and why is it important in pregnancy? hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone produced during pregnancy that helps maintain the pregnancy and is key for early detection of pregnancy tests.
  2. Can I take a pregnancy test before my missed period? While some tests can detect hCG before a missed period, it's typically most reliable to test about one week after the missed period.
  3. What does a positive hCG test indicate? A positive hCG test usually indicates pregnancy, as hCG is produced shortly after fertilization and implantation.