Pregnancy is a very special time in the life of a woman, but at the same time, it is not an easy time. A woman has to go through a lot during this time period. Mood swings, blemishes, bloating all are because of pregnancy hormones. These hormones can drive you crazy, but they also prepare your body to grow baby and for birth.
Hormones are chemical messengers released by glands of the endocrine system to different parts of the body. Everything happens to your body during pregnancy, from heartburn to morning sickness is because of these hormones. So it is good to learn about them as it will help you better understand pregnancy hormones and their effects. Some of the important pregnancy hormones are Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Progesterone, Estrogen, Relaxin, Oxytocin, Prolactin,
Let’s have a look on these hormones and their functions during pregnancy:
FSH and LH
Follicle-stimulating hormone FSH is the first hormone in the whole cascade of pregnancy hormones and is there when you haven’t even conceived. It works in association with luteinizing hormone (LH) to organize the menstrual cycle. But these hormones are inactive during pregnancy.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
HCG is one of the most important hormones during pregnancy. The main function of this hormone is to tell your body that there is a growing life inside. It is also an indication of pregnancy. According to most doctors, the main reason behind morning sickness during pregnancy is elevated levels of HCG. It causes nausea and intense vomiting. The release of the HCG hormone also increases the production of progesterone and estrogen. During the first two months the level of HCG rises, but it decreases for the rest of the pregnancy.
Progesterone
Corpus luteum on the ovary is responsible for the production of this hormone. It is produced by a corpus luteum for about 10 weeks of pregnancy, and after that, it is produced by the placenta. It is responsible for the relaxation of smooth muscles and blood vessels. This also leads to lower blood pressure, dizziness, heartburn, and also blenching, constipation, and reflux. It will also increase hair growth; for example, you will see unwanted hairs on the lower abdomen and breasts.
During the initial days of pregnancy level of progesterone will rise, and then it slows down gradually. It also makes the immune system able to bear the foreign DNA of the fetus. It also relaxes the muscles of the uterus.
Estrogen
Just like progesterone, it is also the production of corpus luteum until the placenta is fully developed. It is the key hormone in the development of a fetus; it is also responsible for starting the production of several body organs in the fetus. It also enhances the mother’s uterus and increases the growth of the adrenal gland. Milk ducts are also enlarged by the release of this hormone for the production of milk. At the end of the first trimester, the level of estrogen is high. After that, it starts decreasing. High estrogen level leads to nausea, increase in appetite, skin changes, and may also prompt spider veins.
Relaxin
Relaxin is responsible for keeping the uterus relaxed during the first trimester and also loses the ligaments responsible for holding pelvic bones together. Loosening of ligaments also makes you prone to falls; you may also feel inflammations and pain. But it is necessary as it helps to break your water. Its levels are high during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a very important hormone, also called as love hormone; your body produces it during childbirth, breastfeeding, and also sex. You will feel warm and fuzzy. It plays its role during delivery. It is responsible for starting contractions. It is also responsible for contracting the uterus after birth. Its synthetic form is known as Pitocin, which is used to induce labor. When a mother holds her baby production of oxytocin in the mother is increased due to the pheromones released by the baby. It helps the mother to bond with the baby.
Prolactin
As the name indicates, it helps the body in the production of milk. During pregnancy the level of prolactin elevates 10 to 20 times higher than normal. Mammary glands are prepared to produce milk. The level of prolactin remains high during breastfeeding also. In the early morning and at night, the production of prolactin is high.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a beautiful time in a women’s life, but it requires a lot of care. Pregnancy hormones may drive a mother crazy, but all of them are necessary as every hormone performs a specific function. Some of them play a major role, but the production of every hormone is linked with safe pregnancy. Initially, HCG plays a major role and confirms your pregnancy. After this, progesterone and estrogen are responsible for playing vital roles. Your whole body changes during pregnancy, and you may not feel good because of abnormal appetite, mood swings, and morning sickness, but keep in mind that it is for the best. Try to keep yourself relaxed and take care of yourself.