Hormones. What’s the Point?
Hormones can be tricky, and we tend to blame them for a lot of different things. Acne? Hormones! Feeling cranky? Hormones! Bloated? Hormones!
The truth, however, is that hormones are a huge part of a woman’s body and health. Hormones control our fertility, our menstrual cycle, and keep our pregnancies healthy. Sudden changes in hormones can also leave us feeling elated, anxious, or even depressed. Read on to find out more about your hormones and how they affect you during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Hormones Explained
hCG
Perhaps one of the most “famous” hormones during pregnancy is human chorionic gonadotropin. More commonly known as hCG. This hormone is the one that allows women to get a positive pregnancy test result on a urine pregnancy test. HCG is produced by the placenta and begins to rise just six days after conception (fertilization, the beginning of pregnancy). HCG levels will rise quickly during a healthy pregnancy, and begin to taper off around 10-12 weeks. HCG also contributes to nausea in early pregnancy, which means that nausea can actually be a sign that pregnancy is progressing well. However, that doesn’t mean you need to worry if you feel great! Many women have no nausea and continue on to have healthy pregnancies.
Progesterone
Another important hormone during pregnancy is progesterone. Progesterone is produced by the ovaries and the placenta and helps thicken the lining of the uterus. If progesterone levels are too low, this could cause bleeding during pregnancy or even a miscarriage. Because of this, progesterone is often prescribed to assist with IVF pregnancies or threatened miscarriage. Progesterone can cause breast tenderness, agitation, and even anxiety.
Estrogen
The next hormone is estrogen. Estrogen is found in a woman’s body whether or not she’s pregnant, but the levels of progesterone rise significantly during pregnancy. Estrogen is made in a woman’s ovaries and also by the placenta during pregnancy, and help a mother to have a healthy pregnancy. Increased estrogen can cause breast tenderness, nausea, and moodiness.
Relaxin
Another hormone found during pregnancy is relaxin. Relaxin loosens your muscles, joints, and ligaments during pregnancy. This allows your body to stretch and grow to accommodate your growing baby. This can also cause you to feel clumsier than usual, and even cause your joints to feel oddly loose.
Oxytocin
Another important hormone during pregnancy is oxytocin. Oxytocin is produced late in pregnancy to begin labor – this is triggered by the baby pressing on the cervix. Oxytocin causes contractions to begin labor and eventually bring your baby into the world. Oxytocin is also responsible for promoting lactation, allowing you to feed your baby. Perhaps most importantly, oxytocin causes you and your newborn baby to bond.
Understanding Hormones During Pregnancy is Important!
While there are other hormones that will impact you during pregnancy, it is important to know that each hormone has an important role in keeping you and your baby healthy. While they can have unpleasant side effects, they also are critical to having a healthy pregnancy.
After pregnancy, as the hormones are changing and shifting, you may feel anxious, upset, or even depressed. If you are struggling with depression, no matter the cause, please reach out. There is help available. If you are struggling, talk to your doctor, friends, and family. If you feel you are in immediate danger or your baby is in danger, please call 911 and ask for assistance.
