North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

During pregnancy, where is relaxin primarily produced?

1. Placenta and ovaries

2. Adrenal glands

3. Anterior pituitary gland

4. Amniotic membranes

The correct answer is: Placenta and ovaries

Relaxin is primarily produced in the placenta and the ovaries during pregnancy. This hormone plays a crucial role in preparing the body for childbirth by relaxing the ligaments and softening the cervix. The ovaries contribute to the production of relaxin in the early stages of pregnancy, while the placenta takes over and significantly increases the levels of relaxin as pregnancy progresses. Understanding the source of relaxin is important because it facilitates various physiological adaptations in a pregnant woman's body, including alterations in her cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. This helps accommodate the growing fetus and prepares the birth canal for delivery. Other options, such as the adrenal glands, anterior pituitary gland, and amniotic membranes, do not primarily produce relaxin or play a significant role in its synthesis during pregnancy. The adrenal glands do produce various hormones, but relaxin is not among them. The anterior pituitary gland is more involved in regulating reproductive hormones like luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, while the amniotic membranes do not have a recognized role in relaxin production.