28. Pregnancy and Human Development

The ________ is responsible for secreting the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

a. Syncytiotrophoblast

b. Ovary

c. Endometrium

d. Morula

Which of the following hormones secreted during pregnancy assists with increasing the mother's blood volume?

a. Estrogen

b. Progesterone

c. Cortisol

d. Aldosterone

e. Parathyroid hormone

Explain why many pregnant women frequently feel the urge to urinate during their last trimester.

Ms. Noble is in the first trimester of her pregnancy when she suddenly feels severe pain in her lower abdomen. She rushes to the hospital where it is discovered that she has an ectopic pregnancy. The physician wants to do immediate surgery, but Ms. Noble argues that the embryo could simply move to the uterus if they wait. What would you tell this patient?

Laura has diabetes and is 6 months pregnant. Lately, her blood pressure and blood glucose levels have been higher than normal. What factors related to the pregnancy might cause Laura's blood pressure and blood glucose to rise?