Question

The nurse is reviewing with a group of high school students that the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads all contribute to hormonal regulation of the female reproductive system. Based on this information, what is the specific hormone that functions primarily during pregnancy?

Answer 1

The hormone that functions primarily during pregnancy is progesterone, which maintains the uterine lining and prevents further ovulation during pregnancy. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is also crucial as it supports the continued production of progesterone and estrogens necessary for the embryo.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Hormone Functioning Primarily During Pregnancy

The specific hormone that functions primarily during pregnancy is progesterone. This hormone is produced by the ovaries and later by the placenta, playing a critical role in regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy. Progesterone works together with estrogens to prepare the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg and to maintain the uterine lining, preventing further ovulation during pregnancy. Another crucial hormone during pregnancy is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced shortly after the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. hCG supports the continued production of progesterone and estrogens to prevent the shedding of the uterine lining and sustains the environment necessary for a growing embryo.