Which hormone is used clinically to confirm pregnancy shortly after conception?

The hormone that is used clinically to confirm pregnancy shortly after conception is human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG). This hormone is produced by the placenta shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. Its presence in the blood or urine is a reliable indicator of pregnancy, which is why many home pregnancy tests are designed to detect hCG levels.

The production of hCG signals the body to maintain the corpus luteum, which in turn supports the production of progesterone necessary to maintain the pregnancy in its early stages. Testing for hCG allows for early detection of pregnancy, often just a week or two after conception, making it a critical hormone in obstetric care.