Which adrenal hormone is noted to increase around 28 weeks of gestation?

Which adrenal hormone is noted to increase around 28 weeks of gestation?

• A. Cortisol
• B. Aldosterone
• C. Testosterone
• D. DHEA

Answer: (C)

During mid to late pregnancy, the fetal adrenal gland ramps up production of DHEA, which the placenta then converts into estrogens. This rise in DHEA around about 28 weeks drives the significant increase in maternal estrogens, supporting uterine growth, placental function, and preparation of the breasts for lactation. Testosterone isn’t the adrenal hormone primarily increasing at this time—fetal testes produce testosterone, but it doesn’t show a characteristic spike at 28 weeks. Cortisol and aldosterone do change during pregnancy, but the notable, pregnancy-specific surge around 28 weeks is DHEA, the precursor to estrogens.

During mid to late pregnancy, the fetal adrenal gland ramps up production of DHEA, which the placenta then converts into estrogens. This rise in DHEA around about 28 weeks drives the significant increase in maternal estrogens, supporting uterine growth, placental function, and preparation of the breasts for lactation. Testosterone isn’t the adrenal hormone primarily increasing at this time—fetal testes produce testosterone, but it doesn’t show a characteristic spike at 28 weeks. Cortisol and aldosterone do change during pregnancy, but the notable, pregnancy-specific surge around 28 weeks is DHEA, the precursor to estrogens.