Question

How do beta-hCG levels change with pregnancy?

a) Decrease gradually throughout pregnancy
b) Increase linearly throughout pregnancy
c) Peak during the first trimester, then decline
d) Remain constant throughout pregnancy

Answer 1

Beta-hCG levels in pregnancy increase linearly throughout the first trimester, peak, and then decline slightly. They remain relatively high but not as high as during the first trimester throughout the second and third trimesters (option c).

Step-by-step explanation:

Beta-hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels change throughout pregnancy. In the first trimester, beta-hCG levels continuously increase. They reach their peak during the first trimester and then start to decline slightly. However, beta-hCG levels remain relatively high throughout the second and third trimesters, but not as high as during the first trimester.

Hence, the answer is option c.