Which organ is primarily responsible for the production of progesterone during pregnancy?

• A. Ovaries
• B. Placenta
• C. Corpus luteum
• D. Adrenal glands

Answer: (C)

Progesterone production during pregnancy is primarily associated with the corpus luteum in the early stages. After ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone. This hormone is crucial for maintaining the uterine lining, creating a suitable environment for the implantation of a fertilized egg and supporting early pregnancy.

As pregnancy progresses, the placenta takes on greater responsibility for progesterone production, particularly after the first trimester, but the initiation and early maintenance of progesterone levels are largely attributed to the corpus luteum. If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum is sustained by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) released from the developing embryo. Therefore, while both the corpus luteum and the placenta are involved in progesterone production, the corpus luteum is the primary source in the initial stages of pregnancy.