human chorionic gonadotrophin

a hormone secreted by the PLACENTA during early PREGNANCY , under the influence of which the CORPUS LUTEUM of the OVARY produces OESTROGEN , PROGESTERONE and relaxin. These are essential for the maintenance of pregnancy. Pregnancy can be detected early on by a laboratory procedure that tests for the presence of human chorionic gonadotrophin in the urine. See also CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIC HORMONE .