What is the primary hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy?

What is the primary hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy?

• A. Estrogen
• B. Progesterone
• C. Oxytocin
• D. Relaxin

Answer: (B)

Progesterone is the primary hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy. It plays a crucial role in the reproductive system by preparing the endometrium, or the lining of the uterus, to support the implantation of a fertilized egg. During the early stages of pregnancy, progesterone helps to maintain the uterine lining, preventing it from shedding, which is vital for the survival of the embryo. Furthermore, progesterone helps to suppress uterine contractions, creating a stable environment for the developing fetus. It also promotes breast tissue development in preparation for milk production, ensuring that the mother is physically ready for breastfeeding after delivery. This hormone is primarily produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries during the first trimester, and later by the placenta as pregnancy progresses. Understanding the role of progesterone is critical in the context of maintaining a healthy pregnancy, and its importance cannot be overstated when discussing the hormonal changes that occur during gestation.

Progesterone is the primary hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy. It plays a crucial role in the reproductive system by preparing the endometrium, or the lining of the uterus, to support the implantation of a fertilized egg. During the early stages of pregnancy, progesterone helps to maintain the uterine lining, preventing it from shedding, which is vital for the survival of the embryo.

Furthermore, progesterone helps to suppress uterine contractions, creating a stable environment for the developing fetus. It also promotes breast tissue development in preparation for milk production, ensuring that the mother is physically ready for breastfeeding after delivery. This hormone is primarily produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries during the first trimester, and later by the placenta as pregnancy progresses.

Understanding the role of progesterone is critical in the context of maintaining a healthy pregnancy, and its importance cannot be overstated when discussing the hormonal changes that occur during gestation.