Pregnancy is a time of great excitement and anticipation for expectant mothers. However, it is also a time where a lot of information is bombarded towards them, and it can be overwhelming to wrap their heads around medical terminologies.
One of the medical terms that expectant mothers might come across is B-chorio.
What is B-chorio?
B-chorio is short for beta-chorionic gonadotropin, also known as beta-hCG. Beta-hCG is a hormone that is produced by the placenta after implantation. It serves as an indicator of pregnancy, as the hormone levels can be detected in a pregnancy test.
The hormone is typically detectable in a woman’s urine or blood a few days after the embryo implants in the uterus.
Why is B-chorio important during pregnancy?
B-chorio is important because it provides information about the status of the pregnancy. The hormone levels increase rapidly during the first trimester of pregnancy and peak around 10 weeks.
Abnormal levels of B-chorio may indicate a potential problem, such as an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage. In some cases, continued high levels of B-chorio may suggest other complications such as gestational trophoblastic disease.
What are the normal levels of B-chorio?
Normal levels of B-chorio vary throughout pregnancy. In the early stages of pregnancy, levels are low, but they increase rapidly. The following table shows the average values of beta-hCG in pregnancy:.
| Days since ovulation | Beta-hCG levels (mIU/ml) |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5-50 |
| 14 (1 week late period) | 50-500 |
| 21 (2 weeks late period) | 200-6000 |
| 28 (4 weeks late period) | 200-70000 |
| 35 (5 weeks late period) | 200-200000 |
What can cause abnormal levels of B-chorio?
Abnormal levels of B-chorio can be caused by various factors such as:.
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Understanding B-Chorio: A Guide for Expecting Mothers
- Miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Molar pregnancy
- Multiple pregnancies
- Issues with the placenta
- Chorioadenoma destruens
- Ovarian cancer
How is B-chorio measured?
B-chorio can be measured through a blood test or a urine test. Blood tests measure the quantity of beta-hCG in the blood while urine tests detect the presence of beta-hCG in the urine.
The blood test can detect beta-hCG earlier than a urine test, with the blood test being effective even before a missed period. If a blood test is taken within two weeks of conception, the levels are usually lower, and it is advisable to retake the test a couple of days later to check the levels.
What happens if B-chorio levels are abnormal?
If B-chorio levels are abnormal, the doctor may order more tests, such as an ultrasound, to check for the potential issue. In some cases, they may also retest B-chorio levels to monitor any changes.
If your B-chorio levels are higher than expected, your doctor might want to keep an eye on them. High levels of B-chorio can indicate multiple pregnancies or complications with the placenta, while low levels can indicate a potential miscarriage.
If your B-chorio levels are lower than expected, your doctor might order more tests to evaluate the potential cause of the low levels.
Key takeaways
- B-chorio is short for beta-chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced by the placenta after implantation.
- Abnormal levels of B-chorio may indicate a potential problem such as an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage.
- B-chorio can be measured through blood tests or urine tests.
- If B-chorio levels are abnormal, the doctor may order more tests to evaluate any potential issues.
Conclusion
Having an understanding of what B-chorio is and its normal levels is important for expectant mothers.
Being informed of its significance can help mothers to be aware of potential complications they may face, and also to have a better understanding of their pregnancy status throughout its course. It is therefore important to discuss any concerns regarding B-chorio with your healthcare provider.
