1. Pregnancy Presented by: Reem AL-Orf

5. The Role Of Progesterone: The Role Of Progesterone:  Makes the endometrium develop and secrete fluids after being primed by estrogen  Maintains the functions of the placenta and fights off unwanted cells near the womb that could cause damage to the placenta or fetus.  Keeps the endometrium in a thickened condition  Stops the uterus making spontaneous movements  Stimulates the growth of breast tissue  Prevents lactation until after the birth (with estrogen)  Strengthens the mucus plug covering the cervix to prevent infection.  Strengthens the pelvic walls in preparation for labour.  Stops the uterus from contracting (thus keeping the baby where it is) baby

6. The Role of Estrogen: Estrogen  To regulate the production of progesterone over the full term. progesterone  Triggers the maturation of reproductive organs reproductive organsreproductive organs  Help in the development of sexual characteristics  Assists in the lactation process  Regulates bone density in a fetus  Maintains the endometrium during pregnancy  Promotes blood flow within the uterus  Maintains, regulates and triggers the production of other hormones  Protects female fetuses from the effects of androgens in the mother's system. (Androgens are substances that have a masculinising effect).

7. The Role of ß-hCG: After the egg has been fertilized, it becomes embedded in the wall of the uterus. This implantation takes place about 8 days after the impregnation. This action has the effect of releasing the hormone ß-hCG. This implantation takes place about 8 days after the impregnation. This action has the effect of releasing the hormone ß-hCG. It is this hormone that is tested for in home pregnancy tests. home pregnancy testshome pregnancy tests ß-HCG encourages the "yellow body" (corpus luteum) to produce progesterone and estrogen during the early stages of the pregnancy. yellow bodyprogesteroneestrogenpregnancyyellow bodyprogesteroneestrogenpregnancy

8. Other Hormones HSC (Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin)) or HPL (Human Placental Lactogen) – HSC (Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin)) or HPL (Human Placental Lactogen) – This hormone is regulated by estrogen and is produced within the placenta. It plays a part in the development of the fetus and helps the breasts develop the glands that will be required for breastfeeding. It also reduces the level of glucose consumed by the mother. The levels increase steadily from 3 weeks gestation to a limit in the last month of pregnancy. breastfeeding

9.  Calcitonin This protein based hormone is used to regulate the bone development and to stop calcium from transferring from the bones into the blood system.  Thyroxine (T4 & T3) Thyroxine This is needed for the development of the central nervous system. It also increases oxygen consumption and develops the ability of the fetus to metabolism proteins and carbohydrates. On top of this, it interacts with growth hormones to regulate and stimulate the baby's growth. growth hormonesgrowth hormones  Insulin Helps the baby to store food in it's body and to regulate glucose levels. Helps the baby to store food in it's body and to regulate glucose levels.

10.  Relaxin Encourages the cervix and the pelvic muscles to relax, thus helping with labour and birth. Encourages the cervix and the pelvic muscles to relax, thus helping with labour and birth.  Oxytocin This hormone is released as a response to stretching the cervix or stimulation of the nipples. It has the effect of making the uterus contract so that birth happens rapidly. It also stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk. High levels of progesterone will prevent oxytocin from having an effect. Only when progesterone levels drop close to the birth will the effects of this hormone be felt.

11.  Erythropoietin Produced in the kidneys, this hormone looks after bone marrow and red blood cell production.  Cortisol Helps the baby use various foods properly within the body. Helps the baby use various foods properly within the body.  Prolactin This hormone is made by the baby's kidneys and is reduced about a week after birth. The levels remain high within the mother's blood for about two weeks after birth. Prolactin is important for the regulation of the mother's metabolism during the pregnancy and assists in the stimulation of immune system cell growth. It helps prepares the breasts for breastfeeding and promotes the growth of the baby. pregnancy