Which hormonal change during pregnancy leads to gallbladder distention and slower emptying?

Which hormonal change during pregnancy leads to gallbladder distention and slower emptying?

• A. Increased progesterone
• B. Increased estrogen
• C. Increased hCG
• D. Increased prolactin

Answer: (A)

Progesterone-driven smooth muscle relaxation during pregnancy slows gallbladder emptying and can cause distention. Progesterone relaxes the smooth muscle of the gallbladder and biliary ducts, reducing contractions and leading to bile stasis. Estrogen also rises and increases bile cholesterol, which can raise gallstone risk, but it is progesterone that most directly decreases gallbladder motility. hCG supports early pregnancy with little effect on gallbladder function, and prolactinElevates for lactation rather than influencing biliary motility.

Progesterone-driven smooth muscle relaxation during pregnancy slows gallbladder emptying and can cause distention. Progesterone relaxes the smooth muscle of the gallbladder and biliary ducts, reducing contractions and leading to bile stasis. Estrogen also rises and increases bile cholesterol, which can raise gallstone risk, but it is progesterone that most directly decreases gallbladder motility. hCG supports early pregnancy with little effect on gallbladder function, and prolactinElevates for lactation rather than influencing biliary motility.