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Normal Font Larger Font Largest Font  Hormones During Pregnancy
What is the role of hormones during pregnancy?  Many hormone
levels are affected in the body during pregnancy, with several
hormones playing major roles during pregnancy. These include:
• Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG). This hormone is
only produced during pregnancy---almost exclusively in
the placenta. HCG hormone levels found in maternal blood and
urine increase dramatically during the first trimester and may
contribute to causing nausea and vomiting often associated with
pregnancy.    • Human placental lactogen (hPL). This hormone,
produced by the placenta, helps in the process of providing
nutrition for the fetus and plays a role in stimulating milk
glands in the breasts in anticipation of breastfeeding.    •
Estrogen. This group of hormones is responsible for the
development of the female sexual characteristics. Normally
formed in the ovaries, estrogen is also prod