Final answer:
Progesterone is known as the "hormone of pregnancy". It is secreted by the corpus luteum and later by the placenta during pregnancy. Progesterone helps maintain the pregnancy and supports fetal development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hormone that is often referred to as the "hormone of pregnancy" is progesterone. Progesterone plays a vital role in preparing the endometrial lining of the uterus for potential implantation, preventing new ovarian follicles from developing, and suppressing uterine contractions. These actions of progesterone are crucial for the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy.Progesterone is an endogenous steroid hormone that is commonly produced by the adrenal cortex as well as the gonads, which consist of the ovaries and the testes. Progesterone is also secreted by the ovarian corpus luteum during the first ten weeks of pregnancy, followed by the placenta in the later phase of pregnancy.