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Corpus luteum during pregnancy
During the carrying of a child in the female body, many processes are launched that are necessary for the preservation and proper development of the fetus. One of them is the corpus luteum during pregnancy. This gland belongs to the endocrine system, and its main task is the production of hormones.
What does the corpus luteum mean during pregnancy?
The corpus luteum is the endocrine gland that appears after each release of the egg. The main task of the organ is to produce estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are of great importance for the maintenance and normal development of pregnancy.
The corpus luteum during pregnancy is responsible for the production of hormones
They perform the following functions:
- prevent new ovulation;
- suppress contractions of the muscles of the uterus;
- prepare the female body for the upcoming motherhood.
As a rule, the corpus luteum is engaged in the production of hormones up to 10-12 weeks. In the future, the placenta begins to perform this function, and the temporary gland gradually decreases and then completely disappears.
Corpus luteum during early pregnancy: pathology
The normal size of the gland is 15 to 28 mm. If it is less or more than this indicator, then this indicates the presence of pathologies. A corpus luteum with a size greater than 30 mm is considered a cyst. But do not panic about this, because the enlarged gland continues to produce hormones and has practically no effect on the course of pregnancy or the health of the expectant mother. Only occasionally can it cause ovarian pain.
In most cases, a corpus luteum cyst does not need treatment. But an expectant mother with such a pathology should avoid any physical activity. In addition, it is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of the gland. If the instructions are not followed, the cyst may burst. And with such a development of events, surgical intervention is indispensable.
Much more dangerous is the insufficiency or hypofunction of the corpus luteum. In this case, the gland produces less hormones than necessary. A lack of progesterone can lead to abortion. The main signs of hypofunction:
- discharge;
- bleeding;
- uterine tone.
In addition, in case of insufficiency of the gland during ultrasound, detachment of the ovum is observed. In this case, to maintain pregnancy, hormonal medications are prescribed to replace progesterone. Thanks to such replacement therapy, it is possible to achieve normal fetal development, as well as minimize the risk of miscarriage. The main thing is to start appropriate treatment at the first signs of pathology.
The corpus luteum is an important gland necessary for the favorable development of pregnancy. But in order to exclude various pathologies, it is important to monitor its condition.