HCG, human chorionic gonadotropin, is what a woman’s body produces during pregnancy within the wall of the placenta. Once embryo implantation takes place against the uterine wall, HCG production begins. It’s at this point that pregnancy tests start working because HCG levels in a urine and blood sample are tested. Around eleven days following conception, pregnancy tests can pick up this hormone in the blood. It isn’t until around twelve to fourteen days following conception, however, that a urine test can pick up HCG levels. When HCG begins surging through a woman’s body, it’s responsible for all of the pregnancy-related symptoms they often feel: fatigue, breast tenderness, emotions off-kilter, and nausea. These symptoms usually occur during early pregnancy, but can sometimes last throughout. What Should Expecting Moms Know About HCG?
What is the Purpose of HCG?The hormone responsible for preventing periods is HCG. Without HCG to trigger progesterone providing a thick lining for the uterus, pregnancies would be at risk because the lining could begin to shred. The placenta is formed by cells HCG produces. Therefore it is not typically present in the body unless women become pregnant. Under most circumstances, a woman’s HCG levels will double every two days upon conception. Throughout the progression of her pregnancy, these levels will slow down to every four days. However, the rise continues right up to her eleventh week. Should a High HCG Level Cause Concern?A couple of reasons could lead an expecting mother to have high levels of HCG. One reason could be that the pregnancy date was miscalculated. Another reason could be that she’s carrying multiples. Health care providers will recommend repeat testing to check for changes in the HCG level within 48-72 hours. None of these reasons, however, should cause the expecting mother to have concerns. What About a Low HCG Level?In these situations, this could be indicative of a miscarriage. This reading could also be because the pregnancy date was miscalculated. A blighted ovum or an ectopic pregnancy could also lead to low HCG readings. In each of these cases, tests are conducted by your OBGYN or Midwife to receive confirmed results. These tests are often down in conjunction with others to include blood, ultrasound, and others to help develop a clearer understanding of why the HCG level is low. For those who have a history of miscarriage or are bleeding, it may become routine for your provider to check your HCG levels. Under normal circumstances, however, HCG levels aren’t checked routinely unless other problems arise. Tips for HCG LevelsExpecting mothers can’t do much about their levels. Therefore, you’re causing yourself undue stress by worrying and agonizing over if they’re too high or too low. A high or low level of HCG has no link to miscarriage. The only way to definitively know what your HCG level is to have your health care provider perform a blood test. It’s essential to remember, though, that these levels can change throughout the day, as well as from one day to another. HCG levels can also vary from week to week. Keeping that in mind, it will not provide you with much information if you only receive one blood test. The only information you’ll be receiving is what your HCG level is on that particular day. When you are given multiple blood test that is spread out over a period and can determine a pattern, it’s then that you can see a better indication of the pregnancy’s viability and status. Why are “Her” Levels Higher Than Mine?If you have a friend, sister, cousin, or whoever else that you know with HCG levels that are higher than yours, this is nothing to worry yourself over. These levels rise and drop off at different ranges, thus making what is “normal” differs for every woman. Therefore, it’s pointless for pregnant women to compare their HCG levels with each other. No part of their pregnancy is going to be alike, including hormone levels. So, if you’re an expecting mother who has found herself differing from others around her who are pregnant, it probably means nothing at all. How is All of This Meaningful to Me?The bottom line is simple. The only time expecting mothers should be worrying about their HCG levels is if their OBGYN tells them to do so. HCG has no actual effect on a woman’s pregnancy, itself, and it’s only responsible for nourishing the growing placenta.
When a woman has higher or lower levels of these hormones, their pregnancy will not experience any changes. However, the reason for these levels could be multiple pregnancies. Expecting mothers don’t have to worry about their HCG levels having an impact on gestation or causing a miscarriage. It’s impossible to change HCG levels using dietary measures or supplements and, even if it were possible, the levels would not change the baby or pregnancy in any way. The primary function of HCG is to provide confirmation of a woman’s pregnancy and, once this takes place, it can be forgotten about. The only time it really needs to be given any thought to is if advised to do so. Expectant mothers have many other things to think about without having this to add to the mix. Ignore other expecting mothers who are making attempts to compare their HCG levels because this information isn’t useful. Want to learn more about the process of pregnancy and birth? Check out our educational classes, where you can learn and prepare for pregnancy and labor!
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![]() The discussion about Pitocin use after the birth of your baby is based around Expectant vs Active Management. Active management means actively participating in the process of birthing your placenta. Many providers routinely administer Pitocin immediately after birth via IV drip or an intramuscular shot. After the birth of your baby, your uterus will take a brief rest and then continue to contract to help deliver your placenta. On average, this process can take up to an hour after birth. I have found some providers will not, or perhaps do not have the time to patiently wait for a woman’s body to naturally release and deliver the placenta. They will use Pitocin and sometimes additionally use cord traction (light tugging on umbilical cord) to facilitate the birth of the placenta. Active management means actively participating in the process of birthing your placenta. Many providers routinely administer Pitocin immediately after birth via IV drip or an intramuscular shot. After the birth of your baby, your uterus will take a brief rest and then continue to contract to help deliver your placenta. On average, this process can take up to an hour after birth. I have found some providers will not, or perhaps do not have the time to patiently wait for a woman’s body to naturally release and deliver the placenta. They will use Pitocin and sometimes additionally use cord traction (light tugging on umbilical cord) to facilitate the birth of the placenta. However, there are times the placenta will indeed need assistance to be birthed and Pitocin is medically necessary including when bleeding is excessive or when the placenta is being retained by the uterus. Expectant management would mean belief in your body’s ability to expel your placenta, and so, the provider anticipates you to feel cramping contractions which will release the placenta. Your provider would look for signs such as the umbilical cord becoming limp or a small amount of separation blood and would then instruct you to attempt to push your placenta out of the birth canal. After the placenta is birthed, it is your uterus’ job to contract and involute – retracting itself to a more pre-baby size. After long labors, it is possible for the uterus to become tired and go on strike! A shot of Pitocin would help your placenta find the motivation to contract, slowing bleeding more quickly. Pitocin for labor isn’t always great, but Pitocin after isn’t quite the same. Not every woman will need Pitocin after birth and even if it is the policy of a hospital or provider, it is your right to choose to decline now and still accept at delivery if medically necessary. When dealing with fertility issues, it is important to understand antioxidants and the crucial role they place in all the body’s systems, especially the reproductive system. What Are Antioxidants? Antioxidants are vitamins and minerals that protect cells from damage. These essential vitamins and minerals are crucial for healthy living and healthy reproduction. Antioxidants work by weakening and disarming free radicals—unstable molecules that damage cells. Without antioxidants, cell health goes unprotected while free radicals wreak havoc on the body. The Role of Antioxidants in Fertility Everything in the human body is made up of cells. If there is cellular damage, the body cannot function at its best. Sperm, the ovum, reproductive glands, and organs are all composed of cells, meaning fertility and a healthy pregnancy rely on healthy cellular activity. Therefore, it is crucial that these cells be protected from free radicals by essential antioxidants. Without healthy cells and proper cell functioning, the risk of fertility issues increases. How to Increase Antioxidants Antioxidants are most often associated with healthy foods. A healthy, well-rounded diet provides the body with many necessary antioxidants, especially in the form of fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants can also be found in supplement form. One important supplement is known as the redox cell signaling supplement, which helps to increase antioxidants and to repair tissue damage. Redox Signaling: How It Works in the Body Redox signaling is an important process in human physiology that signals the reparation of cellular damage. Redox signaling molecules act as cellular message carriers. When cellular damage occurs, oxidative stress signals are sent out warning the body that something is wrong. The tissue responds by increasing antioxidants and repairing the cell. This signaling process is necessary for restoring health and regenerating tissue. Fortunately, these important redox signaling compounds have been produced in a stable supplement form, and these supplements help to strengthen cell communication and to increase antioxidants where there are deficiencies. Redox Signaling and Fertility If there is damage to your reproductive system, it is vital that your body is performing cellular respiration. This can only be done by strengthening cell communication and providing your body with the antioxidants it needs to fight free radicals and restore cells back to health. Redox signaling is key to healthy cell communication when there is damage, as is a healthy diet and a supplement program backed by your physician. To avoid further cellular damage, abstain from activities such as drinking and smoking. Also, be sure to lower your stress levels and avoid exercise that is too intensive. Fertility and a healthy pregnancy require that your body functions at its very best; this means cellular communication, cellular repair, and cellular defense are needed to restore and heal. Have more questions about your pregnancy or seeking a professional doula? Contact us now! Further Reading: TheRedoxDoc | RSM’s: What are they? Redox Health Revolution | What is ASEA Dr. Axe | Top 10 High Antioxidant Foods |
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