Question

WBCS UHPF) 10.5 6. A woman that is at risk of having a non-viable pregnancy may have to have blood draws frequently (every several days) at the beginning of her pregnancy to check for hormone levels. What hormone do you think is most likely being checked for, why? Draw a graph showing what normal levels of this hormone would look like and what hormones of a non-viable or at-risk pregnancy might look like this can also be attached as a photo if it is easier). (10)

Answer 1

6. Human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG is used as a pregnancy detection marker as it is produced in blood by the placenta. Thus, it indicates presence of the viable fetus. The hCG levels double consistently during first trimester and reach maximum levels. In second trimester, they decline but are expressed at still higher levels. However, when fetal growth is affected, hCG levels will also be affected. The normal doubling of hCG levels that take place over the weeks of pregnancy do not occur. Frequent blood draws are conducted therefore to check for hCG levels over time. Decreased hCG levels will indicate a threatened non-viable pregnancy. The hCG levels will decline to zero within few days when there is a miscarriage due to death of the fetus.

The graph indicates hCG levels on y-axis and time in weeks on x-axis. In normal pregnancy, levels are increasing and then come back to steady levels. In threatened pregnancies, the hCG doubling is not seen and levels are much low than normal.

250000- 200000- hCG Levels IU/mL 125000 Normal Pregnancy 75000 - Non-viable Pregnancy 25000 8 12 16 20 24 Time of Pregnancy (weeks)