Also called human placental lactogen, somatomammotropin is an important hormone of pregnancy. Produced by the placenta it is similar to growth hormone. Other names include chorionic growth hormone-prolactin (CGP) and human chorionic somatomammotropin (hCS). Pregnancy Pregnancy is the carrying of one or more embryos or fetuses by female mammals, including humans, inside their bodies. ... The placenta is an ephemeral and temporary organ present only in female placental mammals during gestation (pregnancy). ... Growth hormone Growth hormone is a polypeptide hormone synthesised and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland which stimulates growth and cell reproduction in humans and other vertebrate animals. ...

Somatomammotropin is a 191 amino-acid protein hormone that differs by only 29 amino acids from growth hormone. It acts to increase plasma glucose levels by antagonising insulin. Along with breaking down maternal fat stores for the mother to utilise this makes more glucose available for the developing fetus. It also acts on the mother's body to retain other useful nutrients for the fetus, including nitrogen and calcium. It also promotes placental amino acid transfer. In chemistry, an amino acid is any molecule that contains both amino and carboxylic acid functional groups. ... Growth hormone Growth hormone is a polypeptide hormone synthesised and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland which stimulates growth and cell reproduction in humans and other vertebrate animals. ... Blood plasma is the liquid component of blood, in which the blood cells are suspended. ... Glucose (Glc), a monosaccharide, is one of the most important carbohydrates. ... The structure of insulin Red: carbon; green: oxygen; blue: nitrogen; pink: sulfur. ... Fetus at eight weeks Foetus redirects here. ... Nutrients and the body A nutrient is any element or compound necessary for or contributing to an organisms metabolism, growth, or other functioning. ... General Name, Symbol, Number nitrogen, N, 7 Chemical series nonmetals Group, Period, Block 15, 2, p Appearance colorless Atomic mass 14. ... General Name, Symbol, Number calcium, Ca, 20 Chemical series alkaline earth metals Group, Period, Block 2, 4, s Appearance silvery white Atomic mass 40. ...

It's levels are directly related to placental size and function and increase towards term. As such, low levels can be associated with placental insufficiency.