A nurse is educating a pregnant client about the endocrine changes during pregnancy.

Which hormone is responsible for inhibiting ovulation and stimulating milk production?

This is because cramping and vaginal bleeding 24 hours after amniocentesis are signs of possible complications, such as injury to the baby or mother, leaking of amniotic fluid, infection, Rh sensitization, preterm labor, or miscarriage.

These complications are rare, but they can be serious and require immediate medical attention.

Choice B is wrong because administering pain medication to the patient does not address the underlying cause of the cramping and bleeding, and may delay seeking help.

Choice C is wrong because encouraging the patient to rest and elevate her legs may not prevent further complications, and may also delay seeking help.

Choice D is wrong because offering emotional support and reassurance to the patient is not enough to ensure the safety of the baby and the mother, and may give a false sense of security.

Normal ranges for amniocentesis are:

No chromosomal defects detected in the fetus and no abnormal proteins present in amniotic fluid

No signs of infection or other illness in the baby

Fetal lungs mature enough for birth if delivery is planned sooner than 39 weeks

Prolactin is a hormone that is responsible for inhibiting ovulation and stimulating milk production during pregnancy.

It is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and increases throughout pregnancy.

Choice A is wrong because hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone that is produced by the placenta and maintains the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone and estrogen.

hCG does not inhibit ovulation or stimulate milk production.

Choice B is wrong because progesterone is a hormone that is produced by the corpus luteum and the placenta and supports the endometrium, prevents uterine contractions, and prepares the breasts for lactation.

Progesterone does not inhibit ovulation or stimulate milk production.

Choice C is wrong because estrogen is a hormone that is produced by the corpus luteum and the placenta and stimulates uterine growth, blood flow, and breast duct development.

Estrogen does not inhibit ovulation or stimulate milk production.