Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Is an Important Biochemical Marker for Pregnancy

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is an important biochemical marker for pregnancy and therefore the basis for many tests. A maternity nurse should be aware that:

A) hCG can be detected as early as 2½ weeks after conception.
B) The hCG level increases gradually and uniformly throughout pregnancy.
C) Much lower than normal increases in the level of hCG may indicate a postdate pregnancy.
D) A higher than normal level of hCG may indicate an ectopic pregnancy or Down syndrome.