The hormone used to trigger ovulation (hCG) is injected to help women with artificial inseminations (AIs). HCG injections are given during artificial insemination if the woman is not pregnant during her first cycle after the insemination. HCG injections are also used in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles to trigger ovulation. HCG injections can also be used during normal pregnancies as a part of certain treatment protocols. However, these treatments can lead to complications if not used correctly. The risks of HCG injections during pregnancy are outlined below:

What are the risks of HCG injections during pregnancy?

HCG injections during pregnancy can cause complications in both the mother and child. The risks associated with HCG injections during normal pregnancies are listed below:

  • Miscarriage: HCG injections can cause a miscarriage. The risk of a miscarriage increases if the woman has had a previous miscarriage.
  • Oligohydramnios: HCG injections can cause oligohydramnios, which is an abnormal amount of amniotic fluid. Oligohydramnios can lead to premature delivery.
  • Congenital abnormalities: HCG injections can cause abnormalities in the fetus, including neural tube defects.

Miscarriage

HCG injections can cause a miscarriage. The risk of a miscarriage increases if the woman has had a previous miscarriage. HCG injections during normal pregnancies may cause a miscarriage in about 1-2% of pregnancies. When a miscarriage does occur, it can be very painful for the woman. HCG injections may also cause the embryo to be expelled before it has a chance to implant in the lining of the uterus.

Oligohydramnios

HCG injections can cause oligohydramnios, which is an abnormal amount of amniotic fluid. Oligohydramnios can lead to premature delivery. The risk of oligohydramnios increases if the woman has had a previous miscarriage or if she is taking certain medications. HCG injections during normal pregnancies may cause oligohydramnios in about 1-2% of pregnancies. Oligohydramnios can lead to premature delivery.

Congenital abnormalities

HCG injections can cause abnormalities in the fetus, including neural tube defects. The risk of congenital abnormalities is higher if the woman has had a previous miscarriage. HCG injections during normal pregnancies may cause abnormalities in the fetus in about 1-2% of pregnancies. HCG injections during normal pregnancies may also cause abnormalities in the baby if the woman has had a previous child with a congenital abnormality.

Conclusion

HCG injections during pregnancy can cause complications in both the mother and child. The risks associated with HCG injections during normal pregnancies are listed above. If the woman has had a previous miscarriage, the risk of a miscarriage during a future pregnancy increases. HCG injections during normal pregnancies may also cause abnormalities in the fetus. The risks associated with HCG injections during normal pregnancies are low, but they can still be serious.