Fact Sheet
What Are Normal Pregnancy Hormone Levels After Miscarriage?
pregnancy test
A pregnant woman produces a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). After a miscarriage or D&C procedure, hCG production slows down until it reaches its pre-pregnancy levels.
Non-Pregnant Levels
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A non-pregnant woman of childbearing age should have hCG levels less than 5mIU/ml. After miscarriage, levels gradually decrease to this level.
Time Frame
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After a miscarriage, hCG levels should return back to normal within 4 to 6 weeks, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
Factors
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HCG levels typically decrease more gradually after a spontaneous miscarriage, and more quickly after a D&C surgery.
Continuous monitoring
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Doctors check the blood for hCG levels after a miscarriage or D&C to make sure they return to normal. This could take several blood collections.
Significance
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If hCG levels do not return to normal pre-pregnancy levels, it means part of the fetal sac or embryo still remain in the uterus. This could be dangerous for the mother.
Photo Credit
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Josh Parrish
eHow Article: What Are Normal Pregnancy Hormone Levels After Miscarriage?
