Which hormone is responsible for maintenance of preganancy ?

Options

A. HCG
B. Progesterone
C. Estrogen
D. Prostaglandin

Answer

To determine which hormone is responsible for the maintenance of pregnancy, we can analyze the roles of the hormones mentioned in the question: HCG, Progesterone, Estrogen, and Prostaglandin.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)**:
- HCG is produced by the placenta shortly after implantation.
- Its primary role is to maintain the corpus luteum for the first few weeks of pregnancy, which in turn produces progesterone and estrogen until the placenta can take over.
- While HCG is important in the early stages, it does not directly maintain pregnancy throughout its duration.

2. **Understanding Progesterone**:
- Progesterone is crucial for maintaining pregnancy.
- It promotes the growth of the endometrium (the uterine lining), making it suitable for implantation and supporting the developing embryo.
- It also inhibits uterine contractions, preventing premature labor.
- Additionally, progesterone has an immunosuppressive role, helping to protect the fetus from the mother’s immune system.

3. **Understanding Estrogen**:
- Estrogen plays a supportive role during pregnancy by promoting the growth of maternal reproductive organs and preparing the mammary glands for lactation.
- While it is important for the overall development of the pregnancy, it does not primarily maintain the pregnancy.

4. **Understanding Prostaglandin**:
- Prostaglandins are involved in various bodily processes, including inflammation and labor induction.
- They are not primarily responsible for maintaining pregnancy but play roles in labor and delivery.

5. **Conclusion**:
- After analyzing the roles of these hormones, it is clear that while HCG, Estrogen, and Prostaglandins have important functions, **Progesterone** is the hormone that is primarily responsible for maintaining pregnancy.

### Final Answer:
**Progesterone** is the hormone responsible for the maintenance of pregnancy.