prenatal: 6 essential hormones and additional 3

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)---ESSENTIAL

Basis for pregnancy testing and is produced by the corpus luteum. HCG rises quickly very early in pregnancy until placenta function takes over.

Progesterone----ESSENTIAL

Establishes placenta, maintains health of uterine wall, supports blood vessel growth, prevents uterine contractions.

Estrogen----ESSENTIAL

Promotes blood vessel growth, maintains uterine lining, and aids in fetal organ development.

Prolactin-----ESSENTIAL

Stimulates breast growth and breastmilk production.

Relaxin----ESSENTIAL

Promotes uterine relaxation, cervical softening, and maternal vasodilation.

Oxytocin----ESSENTIAL

Stimulates uterine contractions and the release of prostaglandin.

Pancreas

requires increased insulin needs during pregnancy

Cortisol

increases d/t an increase in estrogen

Aldosterone

increases to promote Na reabsorption which can lead to edema of the legs and feet during pregnancy but CAN IMPROVE AFTER A NIGHT'S SLEEP