hCG Gonadotropin Levels in Pregnancy

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during early pregnancy?

To elevate progesterone levels and maintain the corpus luteum (correct)

To enhance the immune response to protect the fetus

To facilitate fetal development by increasing blood flow

To stimulate the production of more hCG by the placenta

How does hCG assist in protecting the fetus during the first trimester?

By promoting the development of the placenta

By inducing maternal immune tolerance through its negative charge (correct)

By increasing maternal estrogen levels

By stimulating fetal cell growth directly

What happens to the concentration of hCG as pregnancy progresses, particularly from weeks 3 to 8?

It fluctuates with no identifiable pattern

It shows an increase, peaking at week 7-8 (correct)

It remains constant without significant variation

It steadily decreases throughout the entire period

What effect does progesterone have during early pregnancy?

It helps enrich the uterine lining to support embryo implantation Signup and view all the answers

At what week from the last menstrual period does hCG begin to reach levels above 5 mIU/ml?

Week 3 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) during pregnancy?

To support the developing placenta and maintain pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

Where is human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) produced after conception?

The developing placenta Signup and view all the answers

Which component is responsible for producing human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)?

The placental component Signup and view all the answers

What time period does human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) begin to be produced during pregnancy?

After conception Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in pregnancy?

Coordinating menstrual cycle Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary use of quantitating the βhCG level?

To monitor germ cells and trophoblastic tumors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following situations does NOT involve the monitoring of βhCG levels?

Assessment of maternal nutrition Signup and view all the answers

When is monitoring of βhCG levels particularly significant?

In follow-up care after miscarriage Signup and view all the answers

What role does βhCG play in the context of ectopic pregnancy?

It is used to diagnose and monitor treatment after ectopic pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

In what situation would the quantitation of βhCG levels be particularly useful?

To monitor the progression of germ cells and trophoblastic tumors Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

β-Subunit of hCG Gonadotropin

Contains 145 amino acids.

Concentration of Beta hCG Throughout Normal Pregnancy

Week 3: 5 - 50 mIU/ml
Week 4: 3 - 426 mIU/ml
Week 5: 19 - 7,340 mIU/ml
Week 6: 1,080 - 56,500 mIU/ml
Weeks 7-8: 7,650 - 229,000 mIU/ml
Weeks 9-12: 25,700 - 288,000 mIU/ml
Weeks 13-16: 13,300 - 254,000 mIU/ml
Weeks 17-24: 4,060 - 165,400 mIU/ml
Weeks 25-40: 3,640 - 117,000 mIU/ml

Function of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

Interacts with L/HCG receptor to maintain corpus luteum.
Stimulates secretion of progesterone, which prepares the uterus with a thick lining of blood vessels and capillaries to support pregnancy.

Immune Protection

Highly negative charge of hCG may repel maternal immune cells, providing protection to the fetus during the first trimester.

Role in Infertility and Diagnosis

hCG is produced during pregnancy by the developing placenta.
Measurement of βhCG is useful for:
- Monitoring germ cells and trophoblastic tumors.
- Follow-up care after a miscarriage.
- Diagnosis and management of ectopic pregnancy.

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Description

This quiz explores the concentration of beta hCG throughout various stages of normal pregnancy, detailing the expected levels from the last menstrual period through different weeks. Test your knowledge on the significance of hCG in pregnancy and its clinical relevance.