Which hormone is associated with increased basal metabolism and placenta growth during pregnancy?

Which hormone is associated with increased basal metabolism and placenta growth during pregnancy?

• A. FSH
• B. Estrogen
• C. GH
• D. Progesterone

Answer: (B)

Estrogen is the hormone most closely linked to the changes described in pregnancy. Its levels rise dramatically and are produced by the placenta as well as maternal tissues. Estrogen stimulates the growth and expansion of the uterus and placenta, promoting placental development and increased uterine blood flow to support the growing fetus. It also helps drive metabolic adaptations, contributing to a higher basal metabolic rate as the body supports the energy needs of pregnancy. FSH mainly drives ovarian follicle development and is not a driver of placental growth. Progesterone maintains pregnancy by relaxing the uterus and supporting the lining, but it’s not the primary hormone for placental growth or elevated metabolism. Growth hormone has growth-promoting effects, but the placental and metabolic effects seen in pregnancy are more directly associated with estrogen.

Estrogen is the hormone most closely linked to the changes described in pregnancy. Its levels rise dramatically and are produced by the placenta as well as maternal tissues. Estrogen stimulates the growth and expansion of the uterus and placenta, promoting placental development and increased uterine blood flow to support the growing fetus. It also helps drive metabolic adaptations, contributing to a higher basal metabolic rate as the body supports the energy needs of pregnancy.

FSH mainly drives ovarian follicle development and is not a driver of placental growth. Progesterone maintains pregnancy by relaxing the uterus and supporting the lining, but it’s not the primary hormone for placental growth or elevated metabolism. Growth hormone has growth-promoting effects, but the placental and metabolic effects seen in pregnancy are more directly associated with estrogen.