What are hCG Levels?

The Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) hormone is necessary for supporting pregnancy, particularly just after conception and in the first trimester. Once an egg has been fertilized, the embryo and the cells that will eventually become the placenta produce hCG. These hCG levels signal the ovaries to continue making the hormone progesterone, which maintains the rich lining of the uterus. This also keeps the body from continuing the menstruation cycle, and sloughing off this lining. Although hCG levels are very important in determining if a woman is or isn