During pregnancy, which hormone is associated with heartburn?

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Multiple Choice

During pregnancy, which hormone is associated with heartburn?

Explanation:
Progesterone is responsible here. During pregnancy, progesterone rises to support the pregnancy and it relaxes smooth muscle throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. This relaxation lowers the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter and slows gastric emptying, so stomach contents are more likely to reflux into the esophagus, causing heartburn. The enlarging uterus can add abdominal pressure, but the hormonal effect of progesterone is the key contributor. Estrogen, oxytocin, and prolactin aren’t the main causes of heartburn in pregnancy.

Progesterone is responsible here. During pregnancy, progesterone rises to support the pregnancy and it relaxes smooth muscle throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. This relaxation lowers the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter and slows gastric emptying, so stomach contents are more likely to reflux into the esophagus, causing heartburn. The enlarging uterus can add abdominal pressure, but the hormonal effect of progesterone is the key contributor. Estrogen, oxytocin, and prolactin aren’t the main causes of heartburn in pregnancy.

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