After instructing a primigravid client about placenta function, the nurse finds she believes the placenta produces testosterone. The nurse should recognize this as a need for additional teaching. Which hormone is produced by the placenta?

• A. Testosterone
• B. Estrogen
• C. Progesterone
• D. Human chorionic gonadotropin

Answer: (A)

Placental hormones sustain the pregnancy by acting as the fetus grows. The placenta produces estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Testosterone is not a primary placental product; fetal testes produce most of the testosterone necessary for male development, with the placenta not serving as its main source. Estrogen from the placenta rises over pregnancy and helps increase uteroplacental blood flow and fetal growth. Progesterone keeps the uterus from contracting and supports the endometrium to maintain the pregnancy. hCG supports the corpus luteum in early pregnancy, ensuring continued progesterone production until the placenta takes over. So, the belief that the placenta produces testosterone reflects a misunderstanding—the placenta mainly makes estrogen, progesterone, and hCG.