Which hormone is primarily associated with indicating pregnancy?

The hormone primarily associated with indicating pregnancy is human chorionic gonadotropin, commonly referred to as hCG. This hormone is produced by the placenta shortly after implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the early stages of pregnancy by supporting the corpus luteum, which in turn produces progesterone necessary for a healthy pregnancy.

hCG is the hormone detected by most pregnancy tests, making it the key biomarker confirming the presence of pregnancy. Its levels rise significantly in a pregnant woman's body, and its detection in urine or blood is a direct indicator that a woman is pregnant. This is why hCG is often the focus in discussions about early pregnancy detection, distinguishing it from the other hormones mentioned.