Entries by Amber Krosel

More Pregnant Women are Dying in Rural America. Why?

October 2, 2017 /2 Comments/in , , , , /by

A new data analysis by The Wall Street Journal shows that more women are dying during pregnancy and from post-natal complications than they were 15 years ago — and small-town areas have seen the greatest increase of maternal deaths. Although healthcare continues to advance at astounding rates, sometimes the quality is not evenly distributed across the […]

hCG Levels and What They Mean for Baby

September 18, 2017 /5 Comments/in , , /by
Article at a Glance
  • hCG levels tell you if you're pregnant. Pregnancy tests measure how much hCG — the pregnancy hormone — is in your blood or urine. hCG begins producing 10 days after conception, doubling every 48 to 72 hours in the first trimester.
  • Normal hCG levels in pregnancy vary, but when women test above 25 mIU/mL, they're pregnant. hCG levels can reach a height of nearly 300,000 mIU/mL by 9-12 weeks. Low levels do not necessarily mean an unhealthy pregnancy, but hCG levels can be rechecked every 48 to 72 hours.
  • Low hCG levels could indicate a miscalculated conception date, ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage. hCG levels that are very high could also indicate an incorrect pregnancy date, multiples, or a molar pregnancy. Abnormal hCG levels have been associated with pre-term delivery, preeclampsia, and other pregnancy conditions, so it's best to discuss any concerns with your OB/GYN.

Article at a Glance hCG levels tell you if you’re pregnant. Pregnancy tests measure how much hCG — the pregnancy hormone — is in your blood or urine. hCG begins producing 10 days after conception, doubling every 48 to 72 hours in the first trimester. Normal hCG levels in pregnancy vary, but when women test […]