A lot of women go to their doctor about concerns they’ve had in early pregnancy, and then their doctor orders an HCG level. So you go and get your blood drawn, and then you get a number back, and you’re wondering “What does that mean?”. And really, your doctor is always going to be the best one to interpret your lab results, but generally speaking, there is some information about HCG that you might find helpful. HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone that’s released early in pregnancy, and levels rise exponentially until about 8 to 11 weeks gestation when levels peak. So if your doctor drew your blood on Monday, they would probably want you to return on Wednesday, and then compare those results. And really, more importantly than the actual number is the fact that it’s growing. We usually like to see it about double in early pregnancy. So the doctor will compare the results, and if the pregnancy is going well, that’s likely what they would see.
HCG levels alone cannot date your pregnancy, or in other words, if you’re given an HCG result, you can’t tell exactly how far along you are. Take 5 weeks gestation for example. Your levels could be anywhere from 18 to 7000 and still be normal. And so really, again, it’s all about the trend. As long as the trend is going upward, then things are probably going well. Good luck with everything, and if you have any other questions for me in the future, feel free to ask them on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/IntermountainMoms, and recommend us to your friends and family too.
How do I know if my HCG levels are good?
Planning Your Diet: Advice For Eating Right
Changing your diet to be more healthier and contain more nutritious foods will make a huge different on your life. Luckily for you, there are tons of nutritionist and dietitians out there that are willing to help you build a diet that works best for your body.
Try to get protein from non-meat sources. Many different foods are high in protein. Some of the best sources of protein are beans (including soybeans), nuts, and fish. Most of these foods are highly versatile so you can use them as a reliable source of protein in the form of entrees, side dishes or even snacks. Mixing up how you include protein in your diet will keep you from getting pulled into a boring routine.
Take your time and eat slowly. It is common to rush through meals when you are so busy. There is no need to rush while eating; take it easy. Take your time, chew slowly and savor each morsel. Also, this will reduce the cravings that you have for more food. Also, you probably will not continue to eat when you are full.
It is imperative that you use all calories allowed in your daily diet to receive the healthy fuel that you need. For example, your body will get a lot more from a 1,000 calorie meal comprised of whole wheat, lean meats and veggies than it will from 1,000 calories of junk food. What you eat is just as important as how much you eat.
Olive oil is not only nutritious but can help your skin when dry. Olive oil is gentle and effective in sealing in moisture on your face and hands. It also gives you antioxidants that help to combat aging. Eat well, and live a better life.
So whether you need nutrition advice to lose weight, combat illness, or just improve the way you look and feel, making the effort to watch what you eat and drink can significantly change your life. When you eat properly, you will feel more energetic and strong throughout the day.