Pregnancy is a journey of many emotions. Pregnant mothers experience many different levels of emotions thanks to pregnancy hormones. From shiny thick hair and flawless skin, to making you cry when you see a puppy. So what is the role of pregnancy hormones?
What role do pregnancy hormones play?
While the body normally produces many different hormones, pregnancy consists of a unique set of hormones, each with a specific task. Let's take a look at the main hormones in pregnancy and their functions.
1. Human gonads (HCG)
What makes the two red lines appear on your positive pregnancy test? HCG! This is the most important hormone during pregnancy and is only produced during your pregnancy.
Usually, your HCG levels increase 8 days after ovulation, peak at 60 to 90 days, and then decrease slightly.
During the first two weeks of pregnancy, HCG levels will double every two days. It is present in both your urine and blood.
The role of HCG
Stimulates production of progesterone and estrogen, two other important pregnancy hormones.
HCG suppresses your immune system to support the growing baby. Basically, it announces your baby's presence to the body, and helps the uterus ready for its tiny guest.
This hormone is also responsible for the ovaries not to ovulate each month.
It is believed that increased levels of HCG are the cause of morning sickness
2. Pregnancy hormone Progesterone
Progesterone is a female hormone produced by a cyst on the ovary called the corpus luteum. But around the 10th week of pregnancy, the placenta takes over the production of progesterone.
This hormone is crucial for a healthy pregnancy, and its levels increase dramatically during the first trimester.
The role of progesterone
Even before you become pregnant, it stimulates the growth of the lining of your uterus in preparation for a fertilized egg.
Encourages the development of breast tissue in preparation for breastfeeding, while also preventing lactation.
Progesterone makes labor easier, by softening ligaments and cartilage.
This hormone stimulates glands in the endometrium to release nutrients for the developing embryo.
Pregnancy hormone - Progesterone
3. Estrogen
Similar to progesterone, estrogen is also secreted by the ovaries, until the placenta takes over. It gradually increases until the end of the first trimester. Then stop. Estrogen has several extremely important roles in your pregnancy.
The role of estrogen
Estrogen helps your uterus grow.
It regulates the production of other important hormones, including progesterone.
Plays an important role in the development of the fetal organs. Without it, the fetus's lungs, liver and other organs cannot develop.
Protect your pregnancy by preventing miscarriage.
4. Oxytocin
Also known as the happiness hormone and the love hormone, these are the hormones that trigger labor by contractions.
The role of oxytocin
Promote bonding between you and your baby right after birth.
Extend the mother's cervix to prepare for the birth.
Oxcytocin stimulates the nipples to produce milk.
5. Human placental lactogen (hPL)
During pregnancy, the placenta begins to produce this hormone around the second week of life. HPL levels are highest in later pregnancy.
The role of hPL
Supply energy to embryos, to promote baby's development. This is done by regulating your pregnancy, allowing your body to better break down fats, converting them into energy / food.
Makes your body less sensitive to insulin. Insulin is responsible for transferring glucose from your bloodstream to the cells. In fact, there is more sugar left in your bloodstream to nourish your baby.
Stimulate the breast milk glands to prepare for breastfeeding after your baby is born.
6. Prolactin
This is another important hormone that helps with milk production. In fact, during pregnancy, it increases by 10-20 times the normal amount.
The role of prolactin
It makes your breasts increase in size, promoting the growth of breast tissue.
Prepare breasts for lactation and milk release.
7. Pregnancy hormone relaxin
Like its name suggests, this pregnancy hormone has an important, relaxing role on your body during pregnancy. Although it is present and produced by the ovaries in non-pregnant women, during pregnancy, the placenta and uterine lining promote relaxin production.
Role of relaxin
Prepare for the dilation of the uterus and its mucosa for pregnancy.
Relaxes the wall of the uterus to prevent contractions that can hinder transplantation of a fertilized egg.
Prevents early contractions, helps keep pregnancy and prevents miscarriage.
Relaxes blood vessels in response to the increased blood volume during pregnancy.
During labor and childbirth, relaxin stimulates softening of the cervix. It also helps relax your pelvic ligaments for easier delivery.
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