Pregnancy hormones significantly impact everyday life while pregnant and play a big part in keeping your pregnancy healthy and strong. It’s truly amazing what women’s bodies can do. Here’s what to expect with all the hormonal changes that pregnancy brings.
Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, many different hormones will be affected. Many hormones play major roles during pregnancy. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, these include the following:
- Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG). This hormone is only made during pregnancy, almost exclusively in the placenta. HCG hormone levels in the mother’s blood and urine rise significantly during the first trimester, which may contribute to the nausea and vomiting often linked to pregnancy.
- Human placental lactogen (hPL). HPL, also known as human chorionic somatomammotropin, is a hormone made by the placenta. It provides nutrition to the fetus and stimulates milk glands in the breasts, enabling breastfeeding.
- Estrogen. This group of hormones helps develop female sexual traits. It is normally formed in the ovaries, but the placenta also makes it during pregnancy to help maintain a healthy pregnancy.
- Progesterone. This hormone is made by the ovaries and the placenta during pregnancy. It stimulates the thickening of the uterine lining to allow the fertilized egg to implant.
Physical & Mental Effects of Pregnancy Hormones
Numerous physical and mental changes happen during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. It’s very normal. As pregnancy hormones build quickly, your body responds to the hormone increase almost immediately. Some common physical symptoms you may be experiencing in early pregnancy include:
- Nausea with or without vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite
Due to increased hormones of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy, it can affect a woman’s mental health. Common emotional effects during pregnancy include:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Sadness
Learn More About Your Pregnancy
Understanding your unique health during pregnancy or when considering pregnancy options is essential.
Get your pregnancy questions answered and confirm your pregnancy details at Embrace Wichita today. Receive a lab-quality clinical pregnancy test and limited ultrasound to get clarity.
Schedule a no-cost and confidential appointment today.