Read the following statements carefully: (A) Relaxin is secreted by the ovary in the later phase of pregnancy. (B) hCG, hPL and relaxin are produced in women only during pregnancy. (C) During pregnancy, the levels of cortisol, prolactin and thyroxine are decreased in maternal blood. (D) The placenta acts as an endocrine tissue. How many of the above statements are correct?

Step-by-step solution

Statement (A) is correct as relaxin is secreted by the ovary in the later phase of pregnancy. Statement (B) is correct because hCG, hPL and relaxin are hormones produced in women only during pregnancy. Statement (C) is incorrect because during pregnancy, the levels of other hormones like estrogens, progestogens, cortisol, prolactin, thyroxine, etc., are increased several-folds in the maternal blood to support fetal growth and maternal metabolic changes. Statement (D) is correct as the placenta acts as an endocrine