During pregnancy, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is released from cells in the placenta. The hormone circulates through the body, and it can be detected in blood and urine, says Maureen Baldwin, M ...

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy in the cells of the placenta. The presence of hCG triggers at-home pregnancy tests to turn positive. The amount of hCG in a ...