Twin pregnancy hCG levels
When a mother is carrying a twin pregnancy, she generally has higher hCG levels than a woman who is pregnant with one baby. But this is not a guarantee as hCG levels vary between individual women. What might be considered high in one woman can be within a normal range for another.
hCG levels tend to peak towards the end of the first trimester, before gradually declining over the rest of the pregnancy. hCG levels can also vary at different times of the day and from week to week. Remember, it is the pattern of hCG measurements which is important, not one single result.
hCG levels tend to peak towards the end of the first trimester, before gradually declining over the rest of the pregnancy. hCG levels can also vary at different times of the day and from week to week. Remember, it is the pattern of hCG measurements which is important, not one single result.
How do I know what my hCG levels should be?
The average blood levels of hCG during pregnancy are:
What is important is not so much the individual readings and concentration of hCG but a measurable increase over time. This is a sign that the placenta is secreting sufficient hCG to maintain the developing embryo.
- Borderline pregnancy result: 10 tp 25 U/L
- Positive pregnancy test: more than 25 U/L
What is important is not so much the individual readings and concentration of hCG but a measurable increase over time. This is a sign that the placenta is secreting sufficient hCG to maintain the developing embryo.
My hCG level is high—does that mean I’m having twins?
No, not necessarily. There are many reasons for a high reading, and remember, there is a wide range of normal when it comes to hCG levels. These levels should not be used to estimate pregnancy gestation either, as they can vary widely.
Even if you are pregnant with twins, there’s no guarantee you will produce hCG any sooner than if you were pregnant with one baby. But because your levels may be higher, it is possible to detect a pregnancy slightly earlier.
Even if you are pregnant with twins, there’s no guarantee you will produce hCG any sooner than if you were pregnant with one baby. But because your levels may be higher, it is possible to detect a pregnancy slightly earlier.
Why would I have low hCG levels?
Consistently low levels of hCG and an absence of other pregnancy symptoms may indicate pregnancy complications. An ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, a blighted ovum or a non-viable pregnancy may be present. Sometimes, low levels of hCG are detected when there has been a mistake calculating the length of the pregnancy.
Why would I have high levels of hCG?
If the level of hCG is very high, this may be because of a multiples pregnancy, miscalculation of dates, a molar pregnancy or placental tumor. Speak with your healthcare practitioner if you’re concerned.
Frequently asked questions about hCG
How much higher are hCG levels for twins?
For women having a multiples pregnancy, it is common for hCG levels to be 30 to 50% higher than those with a singleton pregnancy. But this elevation is not evident until after the first period is missed.
I’m taking medication, can this affect my pregnancy test?
Some medications including anti-convulsants for epilepsy, fertility drugs and diuretics including tranquillizers can affect results.
For women having a multiples pregnancy, it is common for hCG levels to be 30 to 50% higher than those with a singleton pregnancy. But this elevation is not evident until after the first period is missed.
I’m taking medication, can this affect my pregnancy test?
Some medications including anti-convulsants for epilepsy, fertility drugs and diuretics including tranquillizers can affect results.
The information of this article has been reviewed by nursing experts of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, & Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). The content should not substitute medical advice from your personal healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations/diagnosis or treatment. For more advice from AWHONN nurses, visit Healthy Mom&Baby at health4mom.org.
