Which hormonal factor is crucial for maintaining pregnancy and fetal development?

Progesterone plays a fundamental role in maintaining pregnancy and supporting fetal development. It is primarily produced by the corpus luteum in the early stages of pregnancy and later by the placenta. Progesterone is critical for several reasons:

1. It prepares the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, for implantation of the fertilized egg, ensuring a suitable environment for the developing embryo.

2. It helps to maintain the uterine lining throughout pregnancy, preventing menstruation and allowing for the continued growth and development of the fetus.

3. Progesterone also has immunosuppressive effects, which are essential in preventing the mother’s immune system from rejecting the fetus, which is genetically different from the mother.

Overall, the high levels of progesterone are essential for sustaining the pregnancy and reducing contractions in the uterus, thus facilitating a stable environment for fetal growth throughout gestation.