Which placental hormone is used for early detection of pregnancy?

Which placental hormone is used for early detection of pregnancy?

• A. hCG
• B. FSH
• C. LH
• D. Progesterone

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that a specific placental hormone serves as the earliest reliable indicator of pregnancy. This hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), is produced by placental trophoblasts after implantation. Its appearance in maternal blood or urine allows pregnancy tests to detect pregnancy early, typically in the blood around 7–10 days after ovulation and in urine around the time of the missed period. hCG also supports the early pregnancy by keeping the corpus luteum functioning to produce progesterone. The other hormones listed are not used for early pregnancy detection: FSH and LH are pituitary hormones related to ovulation, not pregnancy markers, and while progesterone is important for maintaining the uterine lining, it does not provide a specific, early indication of pregnancy.

The main idea is that a specific placental hormone serves as the earliest reliable indicator of pregnancy. This hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), is produced by placental trophoblasts after implantation. Its appearance in maternal blood or urine allows pregnancy tests to detect pregnancy early, typically in the blood around 7–10 days after ovulation and in urine around the time of the missed period. hCG also supports the early pregnancy by keeping the corpus luteum functioning to produce progesterone. The other hormones listed are not used for early pregnancy detection: FSH and LH are pituitary hormones related to ovulation, not pregnancy markers, and while progesterone is important for maintaining the uterine lining, it does not provide a specific, early indication of pregnancy.