Hormones produced by the placenta during pregnancy includes Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human placental lactogen (hPL), estrogens, progestogens, relaxin. Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone helps in maintaining the corpus luteum during the early stages of pregnancy. Human placental lactogen promotes mammary gland growth for lactation. Estrogen hormone helps the uterus grow, maintains the uterine lining and regulates the production of other hormones. Progesterone helps in thickening the lining of the uterus during pregnancy and providing supportive environment to the foetus. During delivery, relaxin relaxes the pelvis and widens the cervix.
