Pregnancy Hormones and Emotions

Pregnancy is an incredible journey filled with numerous physical and emotional transformations. Hormonal changes during pregnancy is a significant driving force behind these. These crucial chemical messengers are responsible for supporting your baby's growth and development, as well as preparing your body for childbirth and breastfeeding. Especially at the beginning, many early pregnancy hormones may cause you to experience mood swings, difficulty concentrating, drowsiness and fatigue. Learning to deal with these can be challenging, however they won’t last forever and it’s all worth it in the end.

What are pregnancy hormones?

Simply put, they are chemical signals produced by your body during pregnancy that trigger various changes and processes essential for a healthy pregnancy. Each hormone has a unique role and function, working together to create an environment that supports your baby's growth and development.

Understanding the role of pregnancy hormones can help you appreciate the complex physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. If you have concerns or questions about your hormone levels or their impact on your pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider.

Main pregnancy hormones and their roles

The significance of these hormones cannot be overstated. They regulate crucial bodily functions and help create a nurturing environment for your baby. Let's take a closer look at the main pregnancy hormones and their roles:

1. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): hCG is one of the early pregnancy hormones produced after conception and is what a home pregnancy test detects to determine pregnancy. It supports the development and proper functioning of the placenta and reduces the mother’s immune response to prevent the rejection of the developing foetus.
2. Progesterone: Progesterone is vital for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. It prepares the uterus for implantation and supports placental growth. Progesterone also prevents uterine contractions, protecting the developing foetus.
3. Oestrogen: Oestrogen levels rise significantly during pregnancy. This hormone is involved in supporting the female reproductive organs — the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus (womb) and the vagina — as well as promoting placental health and preparing your body for breastfeeding.
4. Relaxin: Helps loosen the ligaments and joints in the pelvis, preparing your body for childbirth.
5. Oxytocin: Often referred to as the "love hormone", stimulates contractions during labour and promotes bonding between mother and baby after birth.
6. Prolactin: While this hormone is more prominent after delivery as it stimulates and maintains lactation for breastfeeding, it is also present during pregnancy to help signal breast tissue to grow in preparation for breastfeeding after a baby is born.

Levels of hormones in pregnancy will vary slightly between individuals. If you have concerns about your hormone levels or pregnancy, talk to your doctor for personalised advice.

How pregnancy hormones affect your body

During pregnancy, your body undergoes numerous changes due to hormonal fluctuations, significantly impacting your physical and emotional well-being.

One of the most noticeable physical changes caused by pregnancy hormones is weight gain. As your body prepares to nurture a growing baby, it stores extra fat for energy reserves. Additionally, hormones like progesterone and relaxin relax your body's ligaments and joints, increasing flexibility but potentially causing discomfort.

Emotionally, pregnancy hormones can create a rollercoaster of feelings. Many women experience mood swings during pregnancy, feeling elated and weepy within a short span. The influx of hormones can also lead to heightened sensitivity and irritability in some women. Remember, these emotional changes are normal and temporary. Seeking support from loved ones or healthcare professionals can ease the emotional burden.

Hormones at different stages of pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant hormonal changes to support your baby's growth and development. These hormonal changes during pregnancy occur at different stages, each with unique hormonal fluctuations.

Understanding these hormonal changes helps expectant mothers navigate the physical and emotional shifts during pregnancy. If you have concerns about your hormone levels or their impact on your pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider.

Managing pregnancy hormone side effects

Managing hormonal side effects is crucial for a comfortable pregnancy journey. Hormone imbalances resulting in symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, and skin issues are for the most part unavoidable, however, you may be able to help balance your hormones naturally.  

• Maintain a healthy balanced diet - a balanced diet can help regulate hormone levels and support healthy weight gain. Include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your meals. Avoid too many processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive caffeine, as these can disrupt hormone levels.
• Keep up the exercise and physical activity - including regular pregnancy-safe exercise can help regulate hormone levels and keep your body strong in preparation for what’s to come. Engage in low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga. Always consult your healthcare professional before starting any exercise routine.
• Engage in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or prenatal yoga, can also alleviate emotional stress. Stress can negatively impact hormone balance. Find healthy ways to manage stress and prioritise self-care activities that help you unwind and reduce stress levels.
• Stay connected with other expectant mothers through support groups or online communities provides a valuable outlet for sharing experiences and coping strategies.

Frequently asked questions about pregnancy hormones

What hormones are high in pregnancy?

During pregnancy, several hormones play essential roles. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is responsible for maintaining the pregnancy. Progesterone helps sustain the uterine lining and supports foetal development. Oestrogen promotes foetal growth and prepares the mothers body for childbirth. Relaxin relaxes the ligaments, and oxytocin triggers contractions during labour. These hormonal changes are only temporary while you’re pregnant but are vital for a healthy pregnancy.

How early can pregnancy hormones affect you?

Early pregnancy hormones can start affecting some women from the moment of conception, and for others they are very mild and unnoticeable. After fertilisation, the body begins producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which can cause early pregnancy symptoms such as fatigue, breast tenderness, and nausea. Different hormonal changes continue throughout pregnancy, influencing various aspects of maternal health and foetal development.

How do pregnancy hormones affect mood?

Some hormones can have a significant impact on mood swings during pregnancy. Fluctuations in hormones like oestrogen and progesterone are often the culprits linked to mood swings, irritability, and increased emotional sensitivity. Hormonal changes can also contribute to feelings of anxiousness or fatigue. It's important to seek support, practice self-care, and communicate with healthcare professionals to manage mood changes during pregnancy.

What are the 6 hormones in pregnancy?

During pregnancy, several hormones play crucial roles. These include human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), progesterone, oestrogen, oxytocin, prolactin, and relaxin. hCG maintains pregnancy, progesterone supports the uterine lining, oestrogen promotes foetal growth, oxytocin triggers contractions, prolactin stimulates milk production, and relaxin relaxes ligaments in preparation for childbirth. These hormones work together to support a healthy pregnancy and prepare the body for childbirth and breastfeeding.