What does the abbreviation hCG stand for?

The abbreviation hCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, which is a hormone produced during pregnancy. It is essential for maintaining the corpus luteum and ensuring the production of progesterone, which is crucial for pregnancy maintenance. The presence of hCG in the blood or urine is commonly used as an indicator of pregnancy, as pregnancy tests detect this hormone to confirm whether or not a woman is pregnant. This hormone is also involved in several medical applications, including fertility treatments and monitoring certain conditions, such as gestational trophoblastic disease. Understanding this abbreviation and its implications is vital in fields like obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive medicine.