Question

A client who is 14 weeks pregnant states, "Ever since I've been pregnant, I've had a hard time moving my bowels." Increased levels of what hormone are responsible for this common discomfort of pregnancy?

Answer 1

The hormone that is responsible for this kind of discomfort is progesterone.

Answer 2

Increased levels of progesterone cause this discomfort.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main function of progesterone in pregnancy is the maintenance of pregnancy in the first trimester, as it creates a favorable environment in the uterus for the implantation and development of the embryo, preventing spontaneous abortions. This hormone is essential for pregnancy, however, high levels of progesterone can cause several discomfort in pregnant women.

High-level progesterone can cause fatigue that pregnant women experience, mood swings, forgetfulness, constipation and difficulty in moving the bowels.