OzEMedicine - Wiki for Australian Emergency Medicine Doctors

see also gynaecology

• Polypeptide similar to insulin, controlled by 2 gene sites, mainly produced by corpus luteum of pregnancy, but also by chorion & decidua.
• Levels rise early in 1st TM & stay high until mid-pregnancy & become very high during labour & become almost indetectable within 3 days post-partum;
• Receptor sites identified:
  • pubic symphysis, myometrium, cervix, placenta, breast tissues; skin;

• increased water content of ground substance?
• activation of collagenolytic system?
• activation of fibroplasts?

• Aids implantation;
• Aids cervical ripening prior to labour;
• Augments the breast changes of pregnancy;
• Improves sperm motility;