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| Description: Relaxin is secreted by the corpus luteum and later by the placenta. It increases flexibility of the pubic symphysis and ligaments of the sacroiliac and sacrococcygeal joints and also helps dilate cervix during labor. Human chorionic somatomammotropin (hCS), also known as human placental lactogen (hPL), probably helps prepare the mammary glands for lactation, helps maternal growth and regulates metabolism in mother and fetus. The hormone recently discovered to be secreted by the placenta is corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). It is secreted in nonpregnant people by the hypothalamus. It is involved in the timing of birth. CRH is also needed to increase secretion of cortisol which is needed for maturation of fetal lungs and production of surfactant. The uterus continues to expand throughout the pregnancy moving upward into the abdominal cavity until it almost fills it. The organs are pushed out of the way and pressure on the stomach may cause food to be displaced causing heartburn. Picture Stats: Views: 342 Filesize: 1.52MB Height: 900 Width: 1240 Source: https://biology-forums.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=40538 |