A patient is admitted to the Labor & Delivery unit at 39 weeks.

She is 5/60/-2. After several hours she is at 5/70/-2. What can be given to help augment her labor?

Choice A rationale
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by the placenta, maintaining the corpus luteum and promoting progesterone production crucial for sustaining pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
Testosterone is not produced by the placenta; it is primarily synthesized in the testes and ovaries and not involved in normal pregnancy hormone production.
Choice C rationale
Insulin is not produced by the placenta; instead, it is secreted by the pancreas and regulates blood glucose levels, not directly linked to pregnancy hormones.
Choice D rationale
Estrogen is produced by the placenta, contributing to the development of female secondary sexual characteristics and maintaining the uterine lining during pregnancy.
Choice E rationale
Progesterone is produced by the placenta, supporting the uterine lining's maintenance, preventing contractions, and creating a suitable environment for fetal development.

Choice A rationale
Meconium is produced by the fetal intestines. The intestines start to form meconium around the 16th week of gestation. Meconium is composed of shed cells, mucus, amniotic fluid, bile, and lanugo.
Choice B rationale
The placenta does not produce meconium. Its primary functions include nutrient transfer, gas exchange, and waste elimination, but it does not have the structures necessary for the production of meconium.
Choice C rationale
Amniotic fluid does not produce meconium. Amniotic fluid surrounds and protects the fetus but does not contain the components needed to create meconium. Instead, the fetus swallows and then excretes it into the intestines.
Choice D rationale
Fetal kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and producing urine, but they do not produce meconium. The production of meconium is a function of the intestines, not the kidneys.