What hormone is produced by the corpus luteum during pregnancy?

The hormone produced by the corpus luteum during pregnancy is progesterone. The corpus luteum forms from the remnants of the ovarian follicle after ovulation and plays a critical role in maintaining early pregnancy. It secretes progesterone, which is essential for several reasons.

During the early stages of pregnancy, progesterone helps to prepare the uterine lining for implantation of the fertilized egg. It creates a conducive environment for the embryo by thickening the endometrium and preventing further ovulation by inhibiting the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. Additionally, progesterone helps to suppress the maternal immune response to allow for the acceptance of the developing embryo.

As the pregnancy progresses, the placenta eventually takes over the production of progesterone, but the initial phase relies heavily on the hormone produced by the corpus luteum. This is a critical aspect of reproductive endocrinology, where the proper hormonal environment is vital for a successful pregnancy.