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There are a lot of changes that happens with a woman’s body when she is pregnant. Most of these physical and emotional changes are due to pregnancy hormones. Having knowledge about these and understand the effects of the hormones to the pregnant woman’s body will help make the entire pregnancy easier.
One of the major hormones in pregnancy is HCG or the Human Chorionic Gonadrotrophin hormone. This hormone is responsible for the two lines in a pregnancy test kit. It is present the urine of the pregnant woman and is usually detected during 12 to 16 days of pregnancy. This said hormone said to contribute to early signs of pregnancy such as morning sickness, nausea and vomiting. This hormone also increases blood circulation in the pelvic area that results to frequent urination during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Another hormone that plays a big role during pregnancy is Progesterone. This hormone is responsible for a lot of things during pregnancy. It is an important component in the formation of the endometrial lining where the fertilized egg is going to implant. If the progesterone levels suddenly drops during pregnancy it could result to miscarriage. Progesterone also maintains the placenta and protects it from substances that might cause damage to the placenta and the fetus. This hormone also prevents uterine contraction that could lead to untimely loss of pregnancy. Breast milk is also produced with the help of this hormone. The glands that are responsible for milk production are stimulated by this hormone, and this causes breast soreness for some women. Progesterone also makes the cartilage in the pelvic area softer that often results to the pain in the hip and pubic bone area during pregnancy. This hormone normally drops during the end of pregnancy.
Estrogen is another important pregnancy hormone. It is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. This hormone is an important component of breastfeeding as it stimulates the milk glands. Same as progesterone during the end of pregnancy its levels fall. For the fetus, estrogen plays a role in the maturation and development of different organs such as the lungs, kidneys and liver. This hormone is also known as a protector of pregnancy as it regulates and maintains the levels of progesterone.
Oxytocin is a hormone of pregnancy responsible for the contraction and labor during childbirth. Milk ejection reflex and production of milk also happens due to this hormone. During childbirth Pitocin, a synthetic form of oxytocin, is sometimes given to increase contraction and induce labor.
Other pregnancy hormones are relaxin, melanocyte and endorphins. Relaxin is responsible for the relaxation and softening of ligaments and tissues in the pelvic area. Melanocyte causes skin color changes during pregnancy, such as the chloasma, darkening of nipples and linea negra. This change eventually disappears after birth. Endorphins are produced to help mothers deal with the pain and stress of pregnancy.
Pregnancy hormones have many side effects in the body. It also contributes to the emotional fluctuations experienced during pregnancy. The level of hormones in the body affects the neurotransmitters that controls mood. Mood swings are normal during pregnancy. One minute you’re happy the other you’re sad. Anxiety and joy are the feelings that are usually felt during this time. Happiness is felt because of the upcoming baby while anxiety is due to worries regarding childbirth and the bodily changes.
Although these hormones cause so many undesirable things for a pregnant woman be rest assured that it is only temporary. Having adequate knowledge about these hormones is important because it can help you understand the unseen but vital things that are happening during pregnancy.