Which hormone holds the pregnancy?
A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Luteinizing
D. All above
Correct Answer: B. Progesterone
Explanation
Progesterone is the hormone that holds or maintains pregnancy.
Role of Progesterone in Pregnancy
• Prepares the endometrium (lining of the uterus) for implantation of the fertilized egg.
• Maintains a thick, nourishing uterine lining to support the growing embryo.
• Prevents uterine contractions, which could otherwise cause early miscarriage.
• Supports the development of the placenta.
• Helps prevent the immune system from rejecting the fetus.
Because of these essential functions, progesterone is often called the “hormone of pregnancy.”
Produced by:
• In the early weeks: Corpus luteum in the ovary
• Later in pregnancy: Placenta
Therefore, progesterone is the hormone that maintains and holds pregnancy.
Other Option Details
Here are the descriptions of all the given options:
A. Estrogen
• Estrogen is a primary female sex hormone produced mainly by the ovaries.
• It is responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development, widening of hips, and growth of pubic hair.
• It plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle, maintaining the reproductive tissues, and preparing the uterus for pregnancy.
• It also helps maintain bone health and supports cholesterol balance.
B. Progesterone
• Progesterone is another important female reproductive hormone produced mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary (after ovulation) and later by the placenta in pregnancy.
• It prepares and maintains the endometrium (lining of uterus) for implantation of a fertilized egg.
• It helps maintain pregnancy and prevents uterine contractions during early pregnancy.
• It also regulates the menstrual cycle and works together with estrogen.
C. Luteinizing (LH)
• LH stands for Luteinizing Hormone, released from the pituitary gland.
• In females, LH surge triggers ovulation, which is the release of a mature egg from the ovary.
• After ovulation, LH helps form the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone.
• In males, LH stimulates the testes to produce testosterone.
D. All above
• This option indicates that all the above hormones (Estrogen, Progesterone, and LH) are being referred to together and all their descriptions are correct.
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group)