Chapter 4, Problem 28RQ

Summary Introduction

To examine: Whether the statement “Pregnant women are more susceptible to the effects of foodborne infections in part because decreased progesterone levels decrease resistance to infectious diseases” is true or false.

Introduction: Progesterone is a hormone that is produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries. During pregnancy, progesterone is produced by the placenta and helps in modulating the physiological changes associated with pregnancy. During pregnancy, it helps in maintaining the implant, stimulating the growth of endometrial wall, and relaxing of smooth muscles of the uterus and the gastrointestinal tract.