Pregnancy Hormones

Question 1

Where is hCG release site and what is it?

Answer 1

• Human Chorionic gonadotrophin is released from the chorion, placenta and fetus.
• Stimulates the corpus luteum in the ovary

Question 2

Where is oestrogen released from and what does it do?

Answer 2

• Release site is corpus luteum in the ovary.
• Oestrogen is a growth stimulator and activates the uterus later in pregnancy.
• After week 9 released from the placenta.

Question 3

What is progesterone released from and what does it do?

Answer 3

• Corpus luteum in the ovary is release site. It prevents the rejection of the conceptus, and relaxes other smooth muscle throughout pregnancy.
• After week 9 released from the placenta

Question 4

Where is human placental lactogen released from and what does it do?

Answer 4

• Release site is the placenta

- Ensures there is sufficient glucose supply to the fetus.

Question 5

Where is relaxin release site and what does it do?

Answer 5

• Release site is the ovary, placenta and decidua

- Causes ligaments, connective tissue and muscle to relax and soften to facilitate birth and stimulates growth.

Question 6

What is prostaglandins release site and what do it do?

Answer 6

• Ovary, placenta and decidua release site.

- Ripens the cervix later on in pregnancy.

Question 7

What is gonadotrophin-releasing hormone release site and what does it do?

Answer 7

• Hypothalamus release site

- Stimulates the release of FSH and LH to allow ovulation.

Question 8

What is prolactin-inhibiting hormone release site and what does it do?

Answer 8

• Hypothalamus release site

- Suppresses the release of prolactin most of the time.

Question 9

What is oxytocin release site and what does it do?

Answer 9

• Made and stored in the hypothalamus but released by the posterior pituitary gland.
• Stimulates uterine contractions, Affects brain, Stimulates myo-epithelial contractions.

Question 10

What is beta-endorphins release site and what does it do?

Answer 10

• Hypothalamus and other brain site release.
• Natural opioid
• Raised levels in labour-contribute to euphoria.
• Skin to skin and early BF. Appear to enhance reward effect and are passed down in milk so enhances reward effect in infant.
• Formed in the placenta and amniotic fluid to support fetal distress. Increases with hypoxia.

Question 11

What is FSH release site and what does it do?

Answer 11

• Pituitary gland release site

- Stimulates follicles to grow in the ovary

Question 12

What is luteinising release site and what does it do?

Answer 12

• Pituitary gland release site

- Stimulates ovulation and initial growth of corpus luteum.

Question 13

What is Prolactin release site and what does it do?

Answer 13

• Pituitary gland release site
• Affects appetite, weight and immune regulation
• Levels rise in peak labour and with BF.
• The release is stimulated by attachment and care behaviours. Release is oestrogen in pregnancy and suckling postpartum.
• Newborn has a surge post birth to aid transition.