Question

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

Answer 1

If we prevent hCG levels from rising during initial stages of conceptus development then there can be termination of pregnancy (miscarriage) or can be ectopic pregnancy.

hCG is Human chorionic gonadotropin.

Estrogen and progesterone hormones are required to maintain the uterine lining. hCG is an important hormone that is important in initial stages of conceptus development. In early stages of pregnancy, hCG is produced by cells that surround the conceptus. These cells eventually form the placenta which secrete the estrogen and progesterone hormone. Placenta is also important for providing nutrients and oxygen for the growing fetus.

In early stages since placenta is not developed, hCG ensures that after ovulation corpus luteum continues to produce estrogen and progesterone during initial stages of pregnancy. This estrogen and progesterone is required for maintaining the endometrial lining where the fertilized egg (zygote) can be implanted. Until the placenta develops, the embryo will be entirely dependent upon the uterine lining for nutrients and oxygen.

So low level of hCG can lead to degeneration of corpus luteum to corpus albicans. This will cause decrease in the estrogen and progesterone levels whichwhich are required for maintaining endometrium. Shedding of endometrium (menstruation) can lead to termination of pregnancy.

So if the levels of hCG are decreased during the initial stage of conceptus development then there can be miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy (outside the uterus) which can lead to complications.