Question

In a normal pregnant woman, the amount of total gonadotropin activity was assessed. The result expected was

• A. high levels of FSH and LH in uterus to stimulate endometrial
  thickening
• B. high level of circulating hCG to stimulate estrogen and progesterone secretion
• C. high level of circulating FSH and LH in uterus to stimulate
  implantation of the embryo
• D. high level of the circulating hCG to stimulate endometrial thickening

Answer 1

The correct option is B high level of circulating hCG to stimulate estrogen and progesterone secretion

Human chorionic gonadotropin hCG is the gonadotropin which is secreted in a pregnant woman. hCG is produced by the placenta after implantation.

Presence of hCG in blood or urine of pregnant women confirms pregnancy. The main function of hCG is to maintain corpus luteum so as to allow the secretion of the hormone progesterone and estrogen.

Progesterone helps to maintain the endometrium linning of the uterus which is very essential for the growing foetus. Estrogen and progesterone are essential for maintaining pregnancy.