What are pregnancy hormones

Pregnancy

There are many physiological changes that occur in a woman's body during pregnancy , and among these changes is at the level of the endocrine system, and this includes changes in the level of hormones, in addition to changes in the level of some metabolism processes. It should be noted that the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy play an important role in the development and growth of the fetus, and in fact hormonal changes cause mood swings and changes in the body's ability to exercise and endure various physical activities. ^{[1] [2]}

Pregnancy hormones

Progesterone and Estrogen

Estrogen and progesterone are the main pregnancy hormones. Speaking about the estrogen hormone, it should be mentioned that levels of this hormone rise sharply during pregnancy, reaching their highest levels during a woman's life, in other words; The level of the hormone estrogen during pregnancy exceeds its levels during the other stages of a woman's life, and the level of the estrogen hormone increasesIt has many benefits, including: helping the uterus and placenta to transport nutrients to the fetus, providing the necessary support for its development and growth, in addition to forming blood vessels responsible for transporting the nutrition of the fetus, and it should be noted that the high level of the hormone estrogen during the first trimester of pregnancy causes symptoms and signs of pregnancy. First, including nausea, and in the second trimester of pregnancy, estrogen plays an important role in the formation of the milk ducts, which cause the breasts to grow and increase their size, and as for the third trimester of pregnancy, the estrogen hormone reaches its highest levels ever. As for the hormone progesterone, Its levels rise during pregnancy as well, and this rise is very sharp, and among the important roles that this hormone performs during pregnancy: Increase the size of the uterus in a way that allows the fetus to grow in it, and from the effects of the high hormone progesterone also: Relaxing ligaments and joints during pregnancy. ^[2]

Chorionic gonadotropin hormone

Hormone known shows Bmugeh genital Almeshmaiah glands during pregnancy and can be detected in the urine after the passage of at least 12-14 days from the moment of conception, while possible through a blood test to detect levels after 11 days after pregnancy, and the level of this hormone continues to rise and double every 72 hours, reaching its highest levels in weeks ranging between 8-11 weeks, then levels of this hormone begin to decline and decrease until the end of pregnancy. ^[3]

Human placental dairy stimulator

Of the hormones that are associated with the period of pregnancy as well: the hormone known as the human placental lactogen, and in fact this hormone is manufactured by the cells of the placenta, and its function is to provide the fetus with the nutrients it needs during pregnancy, in addition to its role in Stimulating the milk ducts in the breasts in preparation for breastfeeding when the fetus is born. ^[4]

Pregnancy symptoms and hormones

The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy cause many symptoms and signs, the most important of which can be summarized as follows: ^[5]

• Breast fullness and swelling: A woman may suffer from pain when touching the breasts, but it should be noted that this symptom quickly disappears as the pregnancy progresses, as the pregnant woman’s body gets used to the new levels of hormones.
• Feeling nauseous: Perhaps it has reached the point of vomiting, and among the things that help control nausea : Take care to eat slowly, and avoid leaving the stomach empty of food, with the need to make sure to drink plenty of fluids, including ginger tea, and limit the intake of rich foods With fat, and there is no doubt that consulting a specialist doctor is a must in the event of suffering from severe nausea or vomiting.
• Feeling of fatigue and general fatigue: This is due to the extremely high level of the hormone progesterone, and this is what makes the pregnant woman want to sleep a lot, and it is worth dealing with this symptom by taking adequate amounts of rest and sleeping for hours that are sufficient for the purpose, with the need to exercise appropriate exercise for this period and eat healthy food Such practices are sufficient to provide the body with the necessary energy.
• Changing cravings for foods: the sense of taste may change during pregnancy, so a woman wants to eat certain types of foods and shun others, in addition to the possibility of an increase in the sense of smell during pregnancy as well.
• Heartburn: Pregnancy can cause the valve that separates the esophagus and stomach to relax, and this in turn allows stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus, causing a pregnant woman to feel heartburn , and in order for a woman to avoid heartburn, it is recommended to eat small meals frequently instead of large meals for a few times It is also advised to avoid spicy, fried, acidic and chocolate foods.
• Constipation: The high level of pregnancy hormones causes the digestion process in the gastrointestinal tract to slow down, and this is what causes a pregnant woman to suffer from constipation , and to reduce this problem, it is advised to take care to eat more foods rich in fiber, as well as drink more water, in addition to the necessity of practicing possible physical activities .
• Mood swings: Pregnant women complain of mood swings and a sense of mixed feelings at the same time. She may feel joy and pleasure in carrying her fetus, and she may feel anxious and upset at the same time, and this anxiety may be related to the health and safety of the fetus, or the economic matters of the family, or if the woman is A factor may be associated with confusion and fear of not organizing time and giving everyone his right, and in any case it must be said that these mixed feelings are normal during pregnancy, and it is worthwhile for the pregnant woman to understand that.

References

1. ↑ "Hormones in pregnancy" , www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov , Retrieved July 6, 2018. Edited.
2. ^ ^{A b} "What Bodily Changes Can You Expect During Pregnancy?" , www.healthline.com , Retrieved July 6, 2018. Edited.
3. ↑ "Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG): The Pregnancy Hormone" , americanpregnancy.org , Retrieved July 6, 2018. Edited.
4. ↑ "Hormones During Pregnancy" , www.urmc.rochester.edu , Retrieved July 6, 2018. Edited.
5. ↑ "First trimester pregnancy: What to expect" , www.mayoclinic.org , Retrieved July 6, 2018. Edited.