Which placental hormone affects how pregnant women metabolize nutrients?

Which placental hormone affects how pregnant women metabolize nutrients?

• A. Stimulates respiration
• B. Affects how pregnant women metabolize nutrients
• C. Promotes blood vessel growth
• D. Triggers labor

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is how the placenta adapts the mother’s metabolism to supply nutrients to the developing fetus. The placental hormone responsible is human placental lactogen (hPL), produced by the placenta. It acts in the mother to shift fuel usage toward making nutrients available for the fetus: it reduces maternal glucose uptake by tissues (creating higher blood glucose levels for fetal use) and promotes lipolysis to release fatty acids as an additional energy source. This metabolic adjustment helps ensure a steady supply of glucose and fats to support fetal growth throughout pregnancy. Other placental hormones have different roles—some promote blood vessel growth in the placenta or trigger labor—so the description that focuses on altering maternal nutrient metabolism best matches hPL’s function.

The main idea here is how the placenta adapts the mother’s metabolism to supply nutrients to the developing fetus. The placental hormone responsible is human placental lactogen (hPL), produced by the placenta. It acts in the mother to shift fuel usage toward making nutrients available for the fetus: it reduces maternal glucose uptake by tissues (creating higher blood glucose levels for fetal use) and promotes lipolysis to release fatty acids as an additional energy source. This metabolic adjustment helps ensure a steady supply of glucose and fats to support fetal growth throughout pregnancy. Other placental hormones have different roles—some promote blood vessel growth in the placenta or trigger labor—so the description that focuses on altering maternal nutrient metabolism best matches hPL’s function.