Birth & Pregnancy Story of Anna
Oct 17
15
min read
Hormones During Pregnancy
Jacqueline shares her insights on hormones during pregnancy, their functions, and what steps can be taken in order to take care of yourself during and after pregnancy.
This article was written based off an interview with Jacqueline, who is a midwife, a hormone therapist, orthomolecular therapist, ultrasound specialist, and founder of MomPwdr.
What are hormones in pregnancy, and what are their functions?
There are many hormones present during pregnancy, but a few of the most important ones are hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin), progesterone, and estrogen. High levels of hCG are used to confirm pregnancy and play a role in the early stages of pregnancy, supporting the development of the baby and preparing the mother’s body for the continuation and completion of pregnancy. Progesterone supports early pregnancy and helps prepare the mother for breastfeeding. Finally, estrogen helps improve blood flow between the mother and the fetus.
When do hormones start in pregnancy?
During pregnancy, estrogen levels and progesterone levels are getting higher right away. Because this is a time period of uncertainty for the mother, their stress hormones are also increasing. You will recognize the sickness and tiredness after around 6 weeks of pregnancy, and 8 weeks is when you reach the highest levels.
How do hormones affect mood swings in pregnancy?
Hormones affect mood in pregnancy through hormonal fluctuations. Especially due to rising estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy. Stress hormones like cortisol also contribute to emotional variability by affecting the body's stress response system.
The hormonal changes during pregnancy, particularly in progesterone, estrogen, and cortisol, significantly impact mood, often causing mood swings, anxiety, and irritability. High levels of progesterone can lead to fatigue and emotional instability, while fluctuations in estrogen can result in both euphoria and emotional volatility. Increased cortisol levels contribute to stress and anxiety, and hCG-associated nausea can indirectly affect mood. Oxytocin and prolactin can promote positive emotions and bonding but also contribute to mood swings. Psychological and environmental factors, such as stress and changes in body image, further influence emotional experiences during pregnancy.
How do you fix hormonal imbalances after pregnancy?
It is important to take care of your mental and physical health after pregnancy. This means eating healthy foods, green vegetables, red fruits, proteins such as eggs, drinking water, and skipping sugar and coffee. Additionally, it is important to exercise, go out in nature, and rest. Providing yourself with these nutrients after pregnancy will allow for your hormonal imbalances to be maintained after pregnancy.
How long do postpartum hormones last?
It depends on the person, but postpartum hormones will be present for different time periods. For example, if you are breastfeeding after pregnancy for up to a year, your pregnancy hormones will last longer than someone who did not breastfeed. If you are not getting enough sleep this also influences your hormones. Overall, it depends on the circumstances and the environment as you are raising your baby.
What hormones are released during breastfeeding?
During breastfeeding, prolactin and oxytocin are the primary hormones released. Prolactin stimulates milk production, and this increases with each nursing session. Oxytocin triggers the milk ejection reflex, which allows milk to flow. Both hormones are released in response to the baby’s suckling. Oxytocin also promotes mother-infant bonding and has a calming effect on the mother.
What happens to your hormones when you stop breastfeeding?
When you stop breastfeeding, prolactin and oxytocin levels decrease. Estrogen and progesterone levels gradually return to pre-pregnancy patterns, resuming normal menstrual cycles. This hormonal adjustment can sometimes cause temporary mood swings or emotional changes. Cortisol levels may normalize, reducing overall stress and contributing to emotional stability. The physical and emotional adjustment to stopping breastfeeding varies based on the individual and experience with breastfeeding.
A healthy and varied diet is important for supporting your hormones during pregnancy and recovery after pregnancy. Nevertheless, it is indispensable to supplement your diet with good vitamins and minerals. MomPwdr Premium Pregnancy Vitamins are carefully formulated to support your hormones, pregnancy and postpartum recovery as best as possible. You can find supplements for the phase you are in at MomPwdr.
