Select the hormones produced in women only during pregnancy .
A. Testosterone
B. Human chorionic gonadotropin
C. Relaxin
D. Human placental lactogen
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → B, C, and D only
During pregnancy the placenta also works as an endocrine tissue. Some hormones appear only then, because their source exists only in pregnancy.
A. Testosterone — False. Testosterone is an androgen, the male hormone made by the Leydig cells of the testis. It is not a hormone of pregnancy.
B. Human chorionic gonadotropin — True. hCG is made by the placenta. It keeps the corpus luteum working in early pregnancy.
C. Relaxin — True. Relaxin is secreted by the ovary in the later phase of pregnancy.
D. Human placental lactogen — True. hPL is made by the placenta, as its name says.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 25-05-2026 (Slot 1).
NCERT Extract:
Pregnancy and Embryonic Development – “… The placenta facilitate the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the embryo and also removal of carbon dioxide and excretory/waste materials produced by the embryo. The placenta is connected to the embryo through an umbilical cord which helps in the transport of substances to and from the embryo. Placenta also acts as an endocrine tissue and produces several hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human placental lactogen (hPL), estrogens, progestogens, etc. In the later phase of pregnancy, a hormone called relaxin is also secreted by the ovary. Let us remember that hCG, hPL and relaxin are produced in women only during pregnancy.”