During a normal pregnancy, quantitative hCG levels peak at which weeks after the last menstrual period?

During a normal pregnancy, quantitative hCG levels peak at which weeks after the last menstrual period?

• A. 2 - 4
• B. 8 - 10
• C. 14 - 16
• D. 18 - 20

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is how hCG behaves in early pregnancy. After implantation, hCG is produced by placental trophoblasts and rises rapidly, roughly doubling every 48 hours. It reaches its highest level around the end of the first trimester, about 8–10 weeks after the last menstrual period. After this point, hCG levels begin to level off and then decline slightly as the placenta takes over hormone production and the corpus luteum role diminishes. So, 8–10 weeks after LMP is the typical peak window.

The main idea here is how hCG behaves in early pregnancy. After implantation, hCG is produced by placental trophoblasts and rises rapidly, roughly doubling every 48 hours. It reaches its highest level around the end of the first trimester, about 8–10 weeks after the last menstrual period. After this point, hCG levels begin to level off and then decline slightly as the placenta takes over hormone production and the corpus luteum role diminishes. So, 8–10 weeks after LMP is the typical peak window.