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What Do Beta Results Mean?

The presence of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), most often referred to as "beta," means you are pregnant. HCG is produced by the embryo and the level will be different depending on the baby's gestational age. An hCG beta level is obtained from a simple blood test or a high-quality urine testing kit and can detect pregnancy as early as two days before a woman's missed menstrual period. Although the hCG beta results are accurate in detecting the pregnancy, it does not specify whether or not the pregnancy is healthy.

  1. Beta levels

    • In a nonpregnant woman, the beta level will typically be 10 mIU/ml. Whereas the beta level in a pregnant woman can be 100 mIU/ml. A multiple pregnancy will show a higher beta level than a singleton pregnancy. In a healthy pregnancy, beta level results typically double every 48 to 72 hours. If the beta levels do not double, it is possible that the woman may miscarry or it may indicate an ectopic or tubal pregnancy.

    Location of Embryo

    • The location of the embryo is not determined through the beta results. A woman can have a healthy beta level indicating she is pregnant but the embryo can be a result of an ectopic or tubal pregnancy, as well. A vaginal ultrasound will determine the location of the embryo and whether the pregnancy is a healthy and viable one.

    Fertility Treatments

    • Beta level testing may be repeated every 48 to 72 hours.

      If a woman is undergoing fertility treatments, the hCG beta level will be obtained only two weeks after egg collection and then will be repeated every 48 to 72 hours to make sure it is a viable pregnancy. If the woman has been taking hCG injections to encourage ovulation, the hCG levels may initially appear very low. In this case, the test will need to be repeated to ensure that the beta level is increasing. If the test results are positive, the beta level will continue to increase.

    Results Level Off

    • During the first eight to 11 weeks of pregnancy, the hCG level will increase the most. After the first trimester, the beta level will begin to decline and level off for the remainder of the pregnancy. Since the actual conception date may not be known, beta levels can differentiate and there may be lower beta levels even though it is a healthy pregnancy. An ultrasound to assess whether the baby is healthy should not be done until the hCG level has reached at least 2,000.

    Medications

    • The only medication that should interfere with the woman's beta levels are those that contain hCG. Pain relievers, hormone medications or antibiotics should not effect the testing of a woman's beta level. However, inform your doctor about any over-the-counter or prescription medications you are taking.

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