We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Placental Lactogen?

Autumn Rivers
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,761
Share

The hormone, human placental lactogen, is that is created by the placenta during pregnancy, and is also often referred to as HPL, or human chorionic somatomammotropin. Its main role appears to be converting fat from the mother's diet into energy for the unborn baby. It can cause insulin resistance in the mother, raising the blood sugar levels while ensuring that the unborn baby gets sufficient nutrients. In fact, this type of hormone allows the baby to get the necessary nutrition even when the mother is malnourished.

Human placental lactogen shares some similarities with the human growth hormone since it promotes growth by helping protein tissues form, but it is generally much weaker than the growth hormone. While it often acts similarly to prolactin, which stimulates lactation, it is not known whether placental lactogen has any part in breastfeeding. It is known, however, that its main function is to break down the fat that the mother eats so that the unborn baby always has nutrients available. This process is essential for proper growth, which is why the level of this hormone is supposed to rise as the pregnancy continues, reaching its peak near the end of the third trimester.

The health of a pregnancy may be determined by measuring the amount of placental lactogen present, as the doctor needs to ensure that it is rising gradually so that the unborn baby can grow. This is often figured out by a simple blood test, in which blood is taken from a vein on the hand or elbow. Most women do not need to prepare for this test, though they should be aware that they will likely feel a small pinprick and a slight ache at the site of the blood draw. It should be noted that this test is not considered common, and those uncomfortable with it may talk to their doctor about another method to ensure proper growth.

The level of placental lactogen rises slowly in a normal pregnancy, but there are some valid reasons for a level that is higher than average. For example, women who are pregnant with multiple babies often have a higher level of HPL. Of course, a high level may also indicate medical issues, such as diabetes, Rh incompatibility, a molar pregnancy, or a tumor on the placenta. Pregnant women with low levels of HPL might be experiencing a type of uterine cancer, toxemia, an insufficient placenta, or a molar pregnancy that is aborting itself. While testing for placental lactogen can let the doctor know how the pregnancy is progressing, HCG blood tests and ultrasounds are typically more common methods of making this determination.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Autumn Rivers
By Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGeek, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGeek, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-placental-lactogen.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.