Human placental lactogen (hPL) rises steadily through pregnancy and peaks near term. Its principal metabolic action that benefits the fetus is:

• A Stimulation of maternal insulin secretion, lowering maternal glucose
• B Direct stimulation of fetal pancreatic beta cells
• C Induction of maternal insulin resistance, sparing glucose for the fetus ✓
• D Inhibition of maternal lipolysis to preserve adipose stores

Explanation

hPL is an anti-insulin, growth hormone-like hormone of the syncytiotrophoblast. It induces maternal insulin resistance and promotes lipolysis, so maternal tissues shift toward fat oxidation while circulating glucose remains available for placental transfer to the fetus. This same effect explains why pregnancy unmasks gestational diabetes. Option A is wrong because insulin secretion may rise but glucose is not lowered. hPL acts on maternal tissues, not directly on fetal pancreas, and it promotes rather than inhibits lipolysis, eliminating D.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.