HORMONES AND THEIR ROLES DURING PREGNANCY Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) secreted by syncitial trophoblast cells derived

d from a fertilized ovum, and is first detectable 8-9 days after ovulation. Prevent degradation of the corpus luteum, therefore allowing the corpus luteum to maintain progesterone levels mainly responsible for the early pregnancy symptoms ranging from missed period to nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Estrogen secreted by the placenta mainly aims to stimulate the production of progesterone in the ninth month of pregnancy. An important role of estrogen is to facilitate the maturation of lungs, kidneys, adrenal gland, liver and bone density of the unborn baby. it also aids the flow of blood to fetus Estrogen also protects the female baby from the masculine effects of androgen Progesterone major pregnancy hormone that is primarily produced by the placenta. hormone maintains the functionality of placenta and prevents sudden movement and contraction of the uterus As the pregnancy progresses, the hormonal level of progesterone also rises. Its increased level affects the muscles thus leading to a bloated feeling, heartburn and acid flux, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. also responsible for hip and pubic bone pain and breast does not allow lactation during pregnancy, only post delivery. Oxytocin produced in the hypothalamus and is secreted into the bloodstream by the posterior pituitary gland. stimulates the uterine muscles to contract and also increases production of prostaglandins which increase the contractions further facilitates the delivery process by helping in the contraction of uterus. promotes the movement of milk into the breast, allowing it to be excreted by the nipple Human chorionic somatomammotropin hormone hCS is a protein hormone produced by the placenta from approximately the 5th week of pregnancy Believed to be involved in breast development and lactation. This action of hCS has been proven in animal models, but has not been shown to cause lactation in humans. Due to this function, hCS was initially known as human placental lactogen (HPL).

closely related to prolactin and GH Similar functions to growth hormone (GH). Both have similar structures, and both cause protein tissue formation via similar mechanisms. However, much more hCS is required to produce the same growth as GH.

Anti-insulin effects and decreased insulin sensitivity in the mother. This avails larger quantities of glucose to the developing fetus, which uses glucose as its major substrate for growth

increases levels of free fatty acids in the mother, providing an alternative source of energy during pregnancy. Due to this effect, hCS might be involved in the development of insulin resistance seen in pregnancy