Endocrine functionIn humans, aside from serving as the conduit for oxygen and nutrients for fetus, the placenta secretes, from the syncytial layer of chorionic villi, hormones that are important during pregnancy. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) can be found in maternal blood and urine shortly after implantation has occurred, and increases through to the 10-12th week of pregnancy, decreasing to a stable level around the 16-18th week. hCG also ensures that the corpus luteum continues to secrete progesterone and estrogen, which is important in sustaining the pregnancy until sufficient estrogen and progesterone can be secreted by the placenta itself.[16] hCG suppresses the maternal immunologic response so that placenta is not rejected. This is the hormone analyzed by pregnancy test; a false-negative result from a pregnancy test may be obtained before or after this period. Women's blood serum will be completely negative for hCG by one to two weeks after birth. hCG testing is proof that all placental tissue is delivered. hCG is present only during pregnancy because it is secreted by the placenta.[17][page needed] Human Placental Lactogen (hPL) promotes mammary gland growth in preparation for lactation in the mother. It also regulates maternal glucose, protein, and fat levels so that this is always available to the fetus. hPL levels increase proportional to placenta size.[16] Estrogen is secreted in levels up to thirty times those in non-pregnant women. Estrogen causes the mother's breasts, uterus and external genitalia to enlarge.[16] Breast enlargement and glandular development is in preparation for lactation and uterine growth to accommodate growing fetus.[citation needed] Estrogen also causes relaxation of ligaments, including the sacroiliac joints and symphysis pubis, which will ease a vaginal birth.[16] Progesterone is necessary to maintain endometrial lining of the uterus during pregnancy. This hormone prevents preterm labor by reducing myometrial contraction. Levels of progesterone are high during pregnancy
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