From the Guidelines
During pregnancy, the placenta, decidua, fetal membranes, and myometrium are key structures in the female pelvis that secrete hormones, with the placenta producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estrogen, and progesterone, and the decidua and fetal membranes producing prostaglandins, which are crucial for labor and delivery. The myometrium, which is the smooth muscle layer of the uterus, produces prostaglandins through the action of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, with COX-2 expression increasing throughout gestation and reaching a maximum at the time of delivery 1. The decidua, which is the transformed endometrial lining of the uterus, also secretes prolactin, relaxin, and prostaglandins, playing a crucial role in maintaining pregnancy and preparing the mother's body for childbirth.
Some of the key hormones secreted by these structures include:
- Prostaglandins, which are produced by the myometrium, decidua, and fetal membranes, and play a crucial role in labor and delivery 1
- Relaxin, which is produced by the decidua and fetal membranes, and helps loosen joints and ligaments in preparation for childbirth 1
- Prolactin, which is produced by the decidua and maternal pituitary gland, and is essential for lactation preparation 1
- Oxytocin, which is produced by the maternal pituitary gland, and plays a crucial role in labor and delivery 1
The coordination of hormone secretion by these structures is essential for maintaining pregnancy, supporting fetal development, and preparing the mother's body for childbirth. The placenta, decidua, fetal membranes, and myometrium work together to produce a complex array of hormones that regulate various aspects of pregnancy, including fetal growth, labor, and delivery. Understanding the role of these structures in hormone secretion is crucial for managing pregnancy-related complications and ensuring the best possible outcomes for mother and baby.
From the Research
Hormone-Secreting Structures in the Female Pelvis
The female pelvis contains several structures that play a crucial role in secreting hormones during pregnancy. Some of these structures include:
- The placenta, which secretes hormones such as estrogen and progesterone 2
- The ovaries, which continue to produce hormones like progesterone and estrogen throughout pregnancy, although at reduced levels compared to the placenta
- The uterus itself may also have some role in hormone secretion, although this is less well-defined
Role of Progesterone in Pregnancy
Progesterone is a key hormone in pregnancy, and its secretion is essential for maintaining the pregnancy. It is secreted by the:
- Placenta
- Ovaries Progesterone has several important functions during pregnancy, including:
- Maintaining the pregnancy by supporting the growth and development of the embryo
- Regulating the immune response to prevent rejection of the fetus
- Preparing the uterus for labor
Note: The provided study 2 highlights the importance of progesterone in pregnancy, but does not specifically discuss other hormone-secreting structures in the female pelvis.