Human chorionic gonadotropin (HcG)
WHAT: The hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HcG) is produced during pregnancy. It is made by cells that form the placenta, which nourishes the egg after it has been fertilized and becomes attached to the uterine wall.
WHY: HcG levels can first be detected by a blood test about 11 days after conception and about 12 - 14 days after conception by a urine test. In general the hCG levels will double every 72 hours. The level will reach its peak in the first 8 – 11 weeks of pregnancy and then will decline and level off for the remainder of the pregnancy.
HOW: Certain fertility treatments require an hcg trigger shot, a synthetic form of the hormone designed to assist in the final egg maturation process and ensure that the mature eggs are released from the follicles.