Question

Why cannot a woman get pregnant again during pregnancy?

• A. A woman ovulates during pregnancy, but the oviducts are plugged with protective mucus to prevent sperm from entering.
• B. High levels of hCG in women's bodies kill sperm.
• C. A woman cannot have intercourse during pregnancy.
• D. High levels of estrogen and progesterone, secreted by the corpus luteum or placenta during pregnancy, inhibit the secretion of gonadotropins and prevent ovulation.

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

High levels of estrogen and progesterone, secreted by the corpus luteum or placenta during pregnancy, inhibit the secretion of gonadotropins and prevent ovulation.

During pregnancy, the levels of hormones such as estrogens, progesterone, cortisol, prolactin and thyroxine increase several folds in the maternal blood so as to support the fetal growth, metabolic changes and maintenance of pregnancy. However this will lead in the inhibition of the gonadotropins such as LH and FSH and prevent any ovulation. As a result, a woman cannot get pregnant again during pregnancy.

So, the correct answer is 'High levels of estrogen and progesterone, secreted by the corpus luteum or placenta during pregnancy, inhibit the secretion of gonadotropins and prevent ovulation.'