During the second trimester of pregnancy, which hormone shows a decrease in level?

During the second trimester of pregnancy, which hormone shows a decrease in level?

• A. hCG increases
• B. hCG decreases
• C. Progesterone decreases
• D. Estriol decreases

Answer: (B)

During the second trimester, the hormone that decreases is hCG. In early pregnancy, hCG supports the corpus luteum so it can keep producing progesterone. As the placenta matures and takes over progesterone production, the reliance on hCG diminishes, so its levels fall. In contrast, progesterone and estriol continue to rise as placental and fetal-placental unit development progresses, making them increase rather than decrease in the second trimester. So the hormone that shows a decrease in level during the second trimester is hCG.

During the second trimester, the hormone that decreases is hCG. In early pregnancy, hCG supports the corpus luteum so it can keep producing progesterone. As the placenta matures and takes over progesterone production, the reliance on hCG diminishes, so its levels fall. In contrast, progesterone and estriol continue to rise as placental and fetal-placental unit development progresses, making them increase rather than decrease in the second trimester. So the hormone that shows a decrease in level during the second trimester is hCG.