Which hormone produced by the anterior pituitary increases during pregnancy, contributing to metabolic changes?

Which hormone produced by the anterior pituitary increases during pregnancy, contributing to metabolic changes?

• A. ACTH
• B. GH
• C. TSH
• D. FSH

Answer: (A)

During pregnancy the body undergoes hormonal adjustments that prime metabolism to support both mother and fetus. Placental CRH rises and stimulates the maternal pituitary to secrete more ACTH. ACTH then drives the adrenal cortex to produce more cortisol. The resulting higher cortisol levels promote metabolic changes such as increased glucose availability, mobilization of energy stores, and controlled catabolism, helping meet the growing energy demands of pregnancy. While other pituitary hormones like prolactin rise later for lactation, and growth hormone or TSH don’t drive these metabolic adaptations in the same way, ACTH’s increase and the consequent rise in cortisol best explain the metabolic shifts seen in pregnancy.

During pregnancy the body undergoes hormonal adjustments that prime metabolism to support both mother and fetus. Placental CRH rises and stimulates the maternal pituitary to secrete more ACTH. ACTH then drives the adrenal cortex to produce more cortisol. The resulting higher cortisol levels promote metabolic changes such as increased glucose availability, mobilization of energy stores, and controlled catabolism, helping meet the growing energy demands of pregnancy. While other pituitary hormones like prolactin rise later for lactation, and growth hormone or TSH don’t drive these metabolic adaptations in the same way, ACTH’s increase and the consequent rise in cortisol best explain the metabolic shifts seen in pregnancy.