An ordered sequence of biologic events is precursors of the birth of a
healthy baby. Hormonal interactions acting as a nexus between the fetus,
placenta and mother that controls the establishment and progression of
pregnancy and fetal development are very important. We examined the role of
Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (β-HCG)
as a predictive marker. Applying radioimmunoassay that utilizes anti-sera
generated from specific β-submit of
HCG we evaluated the serum β-HCG
level in 60 pregnant women in the three trimesters. Results showed that there
was consistent increase in concentration that drops gradually and maintained a
plateau only to drop from the 40th week of pregnancy. 3 subjects
(5%) that had a sudden sharp drop in β-HCG
level resulted in complications. Inclusion of β-HCG level screening and monitoring in pregnancy will raise
assurance of progress or retrogression in pregnancy. We provide data that can
be used as a reference range for β-HCG
using this method.
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