User:Swaneybunch7/Placental lactogen

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PLACENTAL LACTOGEN

Placental lactogen, also called chorionic somatomammotropin, is a polypeptide placental hormone, part of the somatotropin family. It is secreted throughout pregnancy in both human and animal endocrine cells. Its structure and function are similar to that of growth hormone. It modifies the metabolic state of the mother during pregnancy to facilitate the energy supply of the fetus. Placental lactogen along with other hormones also helps prepare the body for breast feeding by promoting mammary ductal and alveolar growth.

For information on the human form, see human placental lactogen.

 FUNCTION 

Placental lactogen I and II were identified as prolactin-like molecules that can bind to prolactin receptor with high affinity and mimic the actions of prolactin. These hormones can contribute to lactogenesis, luteal maintenance and progesterone production (in rats) during the later stages of gestation. Placental lactogen may be important in stimulating mammary cell proliferation and in stimulating some of the adaptations of the maternal lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.


 * Mimics the action of prolactin.
 * Promotes preparation for breast feeding by stimulating mammary ductal and alveolar growth.
 * Causes formation of protein tissues like growth hormone.

 PLACENTAL LACTOGEN LEVELS 

Normal levels of placental lactogen levels:


 * Not pregnant 0.00-0.10mcg/ml.
 * First trimester 0.20/2.10mcg/ml.
 * Second trimester 0.50/6.70mcg/ml.


 * Third trimester 4.50/12.80mcg/ml.

Blood can be taken at around 6 weeks gestation to check the placental lactogen levels. A provider might test for levels if amniotic fluid is low, high blood pressure during pregnancy or a high risk of gestational diabetes. ￼Higher levels may indicate multiples, or diabetes. Lower levels might indicate miscarriage, preeclampsia or problems with fetal or placental growth. ￼ Levels increase in the thirst trimester to help with insulin resistance.

You cannot control placental lactogen levels but there are measures you can take before and during pregnancy to help keep you healthy. ￼


 * Eating good nutrition dense meals. (Proteins, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats such as nuts, avocados and good oils like avocado, olive and more.) ￼
 * Avoid junk foods (fried foods, sugar, carbohydrates, etc.) ￼
 * Exercise regularly