Hormones During Pregnancy
What is the role of hormones during pregnancy?
Many hormone levels are affected in the body during pregnancy. Several hormones play
major roles during pregnancy. These are:
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Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG). This hormone is made only during pregnancy. It is made almost exclusively in the placenta.
HCG hormone levels found in the mother's blood and urine rise a lot during the first
trimester. They may play a part in the nausea and vomiting often linked to pregnancy.
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Human placental lactogen. This hormone is also known as human chorionic somatomammotropin. It is made by the
placenta. It gives nutrition to the fetus. It also stimulates milk glands in the breasts
for breastfeeding.
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Estrogen. This group of hormones helps develop the female sexual traits. It is normally formed
in the ovaries. It is also made by the placenta during pregnancy to help maintain
a healthy pregnancy.
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Progesterone. This hormone is made by the ovaries and by the placenta during pregnancy. It stimulates
the thickening of the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg.