Question

What would happen to a pregancy if you prevented hCG levels from rising during the initial stages of conceptus development? Explain why

Answer 1

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is important in initial stages of fetal development. In early stages of pregnancy it is produced by cells that surrounds the growing embryo, which later forms placenta. In early stages since placenta is not developed which secrete estrogen and progesterone, so hCG ensures that after ovulation corpus luteum continues to produce estrogen and progesterone during 1st trimester of pregnancy.

In turn, the estrogen and progesterone maintain the uterine lining, which is where a fertilized egg implants. Until the placenta develops, the embryo will be entirely dependent upon the uterine lining for nutrients and oxygen.

Low levels of hCG can lead to miscarriage and other problems such as ectopic pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.

So if we prevent hCG levels from rising during the initial stages then there can be termination of pregnancy (miscarriage), ectopic pregnancy.