Pregnant hormones can be a problem for every woman. Nausea, heartburn, and mood swings are just some of the side effects of the hormone storm that begins with conception. Hormones in pregnancy cause a real revolution. They are present in very low concentrations and yet have a huge impact on our he alth, feelings and behavior.

From the moment of fertilization, not only does the secretion of hormones already functioning in the body increase rapidly, but also the production of new ones, occurring only during pregnancy, begins. This sudden hormonal turmoil aims to provide optimal conditions for the development of the fetus and prepare the woman's body for childbirth. Unfortunately, the side effects of hormones include symptoms such as nausea, heartburn, constipation or the so-called humor, or emotional instability.

Progesterone in pregnancy

Progesterone is a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries in small amounts before pregnancy. Every month, progesterone and estrogens prepare the endometrium for embryo reception, and when fertilization does not take place, it causes the endometrium to peel and expel it along with the menstrual blood. It is different when the egg is fertilized - then the progesterone comes into action - its level increases by a hundredfold!

Progesterone is a hormonepro-family- its task is to maintain pregnancy and … it is responsible for most of pregnancy ailments.

Progesterone is responsible for the implantation of the egg in the uterus and its safe development. First of all, it prevents too strong and premature contractions and regulates the functions of the placenta. As a result of the action on relaxin, it relaxes muscles and ligaments, preparing the woman's body for childbirth. Another important task of progesterone is to participate in the preparation of the mammary glands for milk production (by acting on prolactin). Only before delivery, the concentration of progesterone drops slightly, which signals the uterus to stronger contractions and start labor. Progesterone levels decline further after childbirth1 .

Acute symptoms related to progesterone include:

  • relaxation of muscles not only of the reproductive system, but also of the digestive system, which results in constipation and flatulence; relaxation of the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach is the causeheartburn;
  • slower blood flow, which may favor nosebleeds and varicose veins;
  • mood swings and even postpartum depression as a result of a decrease in the concentration of this hormone in the puerperium;
  • water retention in the body, which causes swelling;
  • painful breast tenderness;
  • intensified action of the sebaceous and sweat glands, as a result of which the hair becomes greasy more quickly, and the skin may develop blemishes;
  • chloasma, or discoloration on the face - this is the result of an increase in the concentration of both progesterone and estrogens; the nipples, the navel, the line (the vertical line on the abdomen) and the perineum also darken.

Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG)

Chorionic gonadotrophin is a hormone produced from about the 7th day after fertilization (when the embryo is in the blastocyst stage) 1. It plays a very important role in the production of hormones necessary for the maintenance of pregnancy, especially progesterone. Gonadotropin should only occur in pregnancy, it is its presence in the urine and blood that pregnancy tests detect. The highest concentration of hCG is observed in the first trimester, then its level decreases1 .

Acute symptoms associated with hCG include:

  • nausea and vomiting in the first trimester.

Relaxing

Relaxin is a hormone produced by the ovaries only during pregnancy.

When labor is approaching, relaxin causes relaxation of the ligament of the bones of the pubic symphysis and softening of the soft tissue of the birth canal; especially relaxing the cervix is ​​important. Thanks to this, the birth canal is better prepared for the baby to exit.

Acute relaxation symptoms include:

  • loosening the connection of the bones of the pubic symphysis (at 28-32 weeks of pregnancy) often results in a dull pain in the pubic area.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Luteinizing hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and its task is to stimulate the body to produce an egg. After conception, the action of LH results in an increased production of progesterone. Later in pregnancy (mediated by progesterone) it has a relaxing effect on the uterine muscle.

Worth knowing

Hormones - what are these?

Hormones are chemical compounds produced by our body that coordinate the processes taking place in cells. The functioning of all organs depends on their action and concentration. Hormones, produced by the glands, are secreted into the blood. Their production control center is located in the hypothalamus of the brain, where the nervous and endocrine systems communicate with each other. This is where information about the need for organs comes inon hormones. When one is missing, the hypothalamus sends information to the pituitary gland to release a stimulating hormone that will stimulate the specific gland to work harder. If this system is working fine, the whole body is functioning smoothly. However, when the hormonal balance is disturbed, the body's work is disrupted, which adversely affects our he alth, well-being and our appearance. A woman's life is particularly influenced by the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. They decide about the characteristics of the female sex, and also control fertility, determining the rhythm of the menstrual cycle. The influence of the change in the level of sex hormones on he alth, including the mental state, is well known to women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome. But this is just a taste of what the expectant mother awaits when she becomes pregnant.

Estrogens

Estrogens are called femininity hormones. Before pregnancy, oestrogens are responsible for the development of female sexual characteristics and regulate the menstrual cycle, stimulating ovulation. After fertilization, they prepare the endometrium for the embryo and sustain the pregnancy. Estrogens and progesterone initiate changes in the uterine muscle - stretching and hypertrophy of muscle tissues. Thanks to estrogens, the uterus enlarges and becomes more supplied with blood, and during childbirth its muscle is susceptible to the action of oxytocin, which stimulates contractions. Estrogens also influence the development of the milk ducts in the breast. They add beauty to future mothers - thanks to them, the breasts become larger, the silhouette is rounded, the hair is thicker and shiny, and the skin is smoother. They also affect the psyche, awakening the nest-building instinct, under the influence of which a woman prepares her surroundings for receiving a child. During pregnancy, the concentration of estrogens increases successively, and drops sharply after childbirth.

Acute estrogen-related symptoms include:

  • increasing the amount of blood flowing through vital organs, which may result in bleeding from the gums and nose;
  • A sudden drop in estrogen levels after childbirth may increase maternal depressive moods.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone that causes the uterus to contract during labor, puerperium and orgasm. This hormone is already present during pregnancy, but only during childbirth (due to estrogens) does the uterine muscle become more sensitive to its effects and contract regularly. After delivery, oxytocin is released when the baby sucks on the breast - this causes the milk to flow out and the uterus shrinks1 . Oxytocin is called the love hormone because it causes the mother to behave caringly towards herchild and is responsible for building an emotional bond between them.

Extra plus oxytocin

  • Thanks to oxytocin, some women experience sexual satisfaction and even orgasm while breastfeeding!

Prolaktyna

Prolactin is sometimes called the milk hormone. The prolactin produced by the pituitary gland is called maternity hormone - inhibits a woman's interest in sex and directs her attention to the child. Already during pregnancy, the level of prolactin increases 10 times, but it comes to the fullest after childbirth - it produces food in the breasts. After finishing feeding, its concentration drops significantly.

Additional Prolactin Pros:

  • during lactation, high levels of prolactin inhibit ovulation, which prevents you from getting pregnant too quickly;
  • has a good effect on the relationship with the child - thanks to it, the mother has more strength and better copes with the inconveniences associated with caring for the baby, e.g. sleepless nights.

References:

Bacz A., Physiological changes in pregnant women (endocrine system), Practical Medicine

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Pregnancy