In a normal pregnant woman, the amount of total gonandotropin activity was assessed. The results expected was:
High level of circulating HCG to stimulate endometrial thickening
The hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (better known as hCG) is produced during pregnancy. The hCG stimulates the production of estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen levels increase steadily during pregnancy and reach their peak in the third trimester. During the second trimester, it plays a major role in the milk duct development that enlarges the breasts. High levels of progesterone cause internal structures to increase in size, such as the ureters. It is also important for transforming the uterus from the size of a small pear in its non-pregnant state to a uterus that can accommodate a full-term baby.