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 2.5 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.