During early pregnancy, the placenta starts to develop and eventually takes over the production of progesterone, which is crucial to maintaining the pregnancy. Progesterone helps to relax the uterus, prevents it from contracting, and supports the growth of the uterine lining.
Meanwhile, the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is initially produced by the cells that will eventually form the placenta. HCG helps to maintain progesterone production by signaling the ovaries to continue producing it during the early stages of pregnancy when the placenta is not fully functional.
As the placenta matures and becomes fully functional, it gradually starts producing an adequate amount of progesterone on its own. Consequently, the need for hCG to support progesterone production decreases.
As a result, the levels of hCG start to decline, usually around the end of the first trimester or the beginning of the second trimester. However, it is important to note that hCG levels can vary among individuals and throughout the course of pregnancy.
why As the placenta develops and takes over progesterone production hCG levels begin to decline
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