Wk 1 - Hormones In Pregnancy

Question 1

At which week does progesterone peek before gradually tapering off?

Answer 1

Week 37

Question 2

What does the higher rate of oestrogen, rather than progesterone cause?

Answer 2

Causes uterine muscles to be more sensitive to other hormones like oxytocin.

Question 3

Where is oxytocin released from and what is its primary function?

Answer 3

Released from the posterior pituitary gland, to stimulate continuous contractions.

Question 4

How does the tapering levels of progesterone sometimes affect women after week 37?

What are common labels for this?

Answer 4

Some women may experience week contractions.

Braxton Hick or False Labour

Question 5

Which component releases relaxin?

Answer 5

The placenta

Question 6

What are the two primary functions/ effects of relaxin.

Answer 6

1. Loosens pelvic bones.

2. Opens up pelvic outlet by loosening the symphysis pubis.

Question 7

The physiological changes in pregnancy are controlled by what? *

Answer 7

• hormones

- diet

Question 8

What are some of the hormones produced in pregnancy? *

Answer 8

Human Chorionic Gondatrophin 
HPO
Oestrogen 
Progesterone 
Prolactin 
Oxytocin 
Relaxin
Thyroid hormones

Question 9

What are the sources of precursors of placental oestrogen and progesterone? *

Answer 9

• oestrogen is provided by the baby

- progesterone is sourced from the mother

Question 10

What is placental progesterone used for during pregnancy? *

Answer 10

1. Stimulates the growth of blood vessels that supply the lining of the endometrium and stimulates glands in the endometrium to secrete nutrients that nourish the early embryo.
2. Once the placenta is established it then takes over progesterone production at around week 12.

Question 11

What are the functions of progesterone in pregnancy? *

Answer 11

Relaxes the smooth muscle of the uterus preventing it from contracting and trying to expel the baby before its due date.

Plays an important role in the development of the fetus.

Inhibits prolactin production.

Question 12

What is the primary oestrogen in pregnancy and what does it measure? *

Answer 12

Estradiol. Measures fetal well-being.

Question 13

What is the main function of hCG during pregnancy? *

Answer 13

hCG nourishes the egg after it has been fertilised and attaches to the uterine wall.

Maintains the corpus luteum until the placenta takes over in production of progesterone.

Question 14

What does it mean to detect persistently low level of hGC? *

Answer 14

Indication of:

• miscarriage
• non viable pregnancy
• ectopic pregnancy
• placental abnormalities

Question 15

What does hGC detect during pregnancy? *

Answer 15

hCG tells the ovaries to stop the production of eggs maturing in the ovaries during pregnancy.

Question 16

What is the function of human placental lactogen and what is its other name? *

Answer 16

Human placental lactogen (hPL) also known as human chorionic somatomammotropin (HCS). Function is similar to human growth hormone.
Produced by the placenta.
Breaks down fats from the mother and provides fuel for the growing baby.
Helps regulates mother’s metabolism by increasing maternal blood levels.
It can lead to insulin resistance and carbohydrate intolerance in the mother.

Question 17

What is relaxins function? *

Answer 17

To relax pelvic ligaments and soften the pubis symphysis. Loosens pelvic bones and opens up the pelvic outlet by loosening the pubis symphysis. Relaxin is secreted from the placenta and aids in cervical dilation. Relaxin is not location specific and can therefore have an effect on multiple areas of the body.

Question 18

What does the adrenal gland synthesise during pregnancy? *

Answer 18

The two most important adrenal hormones are aldosterone and cortisol. The adrenal glands help the body control blood sugar, burn protein and fat, react to stressors and regulate blood pressure. The adrenal glands also produce adrenaline and small amounts of sex hormones called androgens.

Question 19

What is the function of the anterior and posterior pituitary gland in pregnancy? *

Answer 19

Posterior pituitary produces oxytocin when the cervix is stretched which is part of a positive feedback loop. Oxytocin stimulates contractions. The anterior pituitary gland produces prolactin which prepares the breasts for lactation.

Question 20

What do thyroid hormones do in pregnancy? *

Answer 20

Thyroid hormones appear to have their most profound effect on the terminal (final) stages of brain differentiation (specialisation of brain cells). There are thyroid hormone receptors in the brain which are present in the fetal brain well before it is able to synthesise thyroid hormones. Increases uptake of iodine. Pregnancy mimics hyperthyroidism.

Question 21

What is leucorrhoea? What may also occur during pregnancy as a result of the changed pH of the vagina? *

Answer 21

Leucorrhoea is a white or yellowish discharge of mucus from the vagina. The changed pH of the vagina may lead to development of thrush / vaginal moniliasis (candidiasis) or trichomonal infection (STI).