WHAT TO EXPECT
PREPARING FOR BABY -
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Hormones
Now you are pregnant, your life for the next nine months will, to a certain extent, be ruled by these chemicals. Hormones are formed in one part of the body and transported to another via the bloodstream, and stimulate your body to react in a certain way.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
hCG is made within days of your fertilised egg implanting in your womb, and levels are highest during the first trimester. It is present in your urine, which is why you wee on a stick to find out if you are pregnant. hCG is to blame for morning sickness and suppresses your immune system so your body does not reject your baby.
Oestrogen
Helps the uterus and your baby to grow, as well as encouraging milk production. This hormone increases blood circulation, so is responsible for pregnancy glow and, sometimes, red blotches on your skin.
Progesterone
Suppresses contractions of the smooth muscles of the womb, allowing your baby to grow safely. However, the relaxing of smooth muscle elsewhere (together with the hormone relaxin), means that you could experience constipation and heartburn. Progesterone may cause your gums to swell and sometimes bleed and, as secretions from your glands are increased, your skin could be oily and prone to spots.
Relaxin
As well as some of the less welcome effects mentioned above, relaxin also has its good side – when it comes to giving birth, this hormone will help you, by softening your muscles and joints. Importantly, it will help relax your pelvis and uterus and soften the cervix.
Endorphins
During pregnancy, levels of these ‘happy’ hormones increase, and then rise even further during a natural labour. This can help you to better cope with the pain and stress of birth, and perhaps ‘forget’ it once you have your baby in your arms. A drop in levels of endorphins after the birth may lead to temporary ‘baby blues’.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin (the ‘love hormone’) causes muscles to contract. When you are ready to give birth, it will trigger contractions, and, after birth, encourage your uterus to shrink back to pre-pregnancy size. Putting your newborn baby to the breast stimulates the release of oxytocin. You may be surprised to learn that levels of oxytocin increase in men during their partner’s pregnancy and even more so if they attend the birth.
There is little you can do to balance your hormones, but most symptoms do not last the full nine months. Enjoy your pregnancy !
