Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, levels are produced by the cells that form the placenta, according to the American Pregnancy Association. The placenta is what provides your baby nourishment throughout your pregnancy. Nutrients and oxygen are carried from the placenta to your baby via the umbilical cord. Without the placenta or umbilical cord, your baby would have no way to receive nutrients or oxygen.
History
Your placenta begins to produce hCG the instant your egg is fertilized by sperm, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Your levels of hCG are present throughout your entire pregnancy. Your doctor confirms your pregnancy by detecting the presence of hCG.
Significance
From the beginning of your pregnancy, hCG hormones are present and continue to increase each day until about the 11th week of pregnancy, when they decrease in volume and level out for the remainder of your pregnancy.
Time Frame
At the beginning of your pregnancy, around the first five weeks, your hCG levels are fairly low. They continue to double every 72 hours, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Around the sixth week of pregnancy, your hCG levels rise from 7,340ml to approximately 56,600ml. Over the course of the next five weeks, your hCG levels will continue to climb to 288,000ml. Around week 13, your hCG levels will drop to approximately 254,000ml and level out to approximately 117,000ml until you deliver the baby. After you deliver, your hCG levels drop to under 5ml, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
Effects
After you deliver your baby, your hormone levels change dramatically. Your body is adjusting to what is called after-birth. Since your hormone levels change so rapidly, you may experience emotional changes, such as the baby blues or postpartum depression, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. With either instance, you may experience feelings of depression, anxiety, anger, hopelessness or despair. Talk to a friend or your partner about your feelings to ease some of your doubts about being a new mom or set your mind at ease about any worries you may have.
Considerations
If talking to a friend or your partner doesn't help how you're feeling, speak to your doctor. While postpartum depression is normal, only about 10 percent of new mothers experience postpartum depression, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Your doctor may be able to help or recommend a counselor who specializes in postpartum depression.
