The Hormones of Early Pregnancy
The Hormones of Early Pregnancy: Understanding the Changes in Your Body
Early pregnancy is a time of transformation—both exciting and overwhelming. As your body begins to nurture and support a growing baby, hormonal shifts play a huge role in the changes you’re experiencing. From morning sickness to emotional ups and downs, the hormones responsible for sustaining pregnancy are also responsible for many of the discomforts you may face. By understanding these hormones and how they affect your body, you can navigate early pregnancy with more awareness and confidence.
In this post, we’ll explore five key hormones that are most active in the early stages of pregnancy: HCG, progesterone, relaxin, estrogen, and prolactin. We’ll dive into what each hormone does, how it affects your body, and the common discomforts it may bring.
1. HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
What it is:
HCG is the hormone that makes pregnancy tests positive! It’s produced by the placenta soon after implantation and serves as an early indicator that your body is pregnant.
What it does:
HCG has a vital role in supporting your pregnancy. It signals the ovaries to stop releasing eggs and helps maintain the production of progesterone and estrogen, which are crucial for the health of your baby. Essentially, HCG ensures that your pregnancy gets off to a healthy start by providing the necessary hormonal support.
Discomforts it may cause:
HCG’s rising levels are commonly linked to some of the more challenging early pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting (morning sickness). Some women also report fatigue, heightened smell sensitivity, and mood swings as the hormone increases.
2. Progesterone
What it is:
Progesterone is the hormone responsible for preparing and maintaining the uterus for pregnancy. It’s produced by the ovaries initially and later by the placenta as pregnancy progresses.
What it does:
Progesterone helps to maintain the uterine lining, allowing the fertilized egg to implant and grow. It also relaxes the muscles of the uterus to prevent early contractions and miscarriage. Progesterone is essential in creating an environment that nurtures your baby’s development.
Discomforts it may cause:
While progesterone is doing all of this important work, it can also cause some discomforts, such as bloating, breast tenderness, and fatigue. Many women also experience mood swings and changes in appetite due to progesterone’s effects on the body. You may find yourself feeling extra tired or even a little more emotional than usual.
3. Relaxin
What it is:
Relaxin is a hormone produced by the placenta that helps your body prepare for labor and delivery by relaxing the ligaments and muscles in your pelvis.
What it does:
Relaxin’s primary job is to make your body more flexible and ready for childbirth. It loosens the ligaments around your pelvis, helping to create more room for the growing baby. It also helps the cervix soften and prepares the uterus for contractions.
Discomforts it may cause:
While relaxin is crucial for childbirth, it can also lead to discomforts during early pregnancy. As it relaxes your joints and ligaments, you may experience pelvic pain, lower back discomfort, or a general feeling of instability, especially in the hips and pelvis. Some women report aching or soreness in these areas as their body adjusts to this hormone.
4. Estrogen
What it is:
Estrogen is a key sex hormone that regulates the female reproductive system. During pregnancy, estrogen levels rise dramatically to support the growing baby and prepare the body for labor.
What it does:
Estrogen plays a variety of roles in pregnancy, including supporting the growth of the uterine lining, promoting increased blood flow to the uterus, and aiding in the development of your baby’s organs. It also contributes to the production of other hormones that help maintain pregnancy.
Discomforts it may cause:
While estrogen is doing all of this important work, it can also cause some common pregnancy discomforts. As levels rise, you might experience headaches, mood swings, and an increased sense of smell. Estrogen can also lead to swelling, water retention, and varicose veins, as well as skin changes such as pigmentation on your face or darkening of the linea nigra.
5. Prolactin
What it is:
Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, most commonly known for its role in breastfeeding. However, it begins to rise during pregnancy to prepare your body for nursing.
What it does:
Prolactin stimulates the growth of mammary glands in the breasts and begins the production of milk. It also has roles in regulating the immune system and contributing to maternal bonding.
Discomforts it may cause:
Prolactin’s effects can be felt as early as pregnancy, when you might notice breast tenderness, nipple sensitivity, or even leakage of colostrum (the first milk). Higher levels of prolactin can also contribute to mood changes, including irritability or anxiety, as your body adjusts to this hormone.
Managing Pregnancy Discomforts: Alternative Therapies in Wilmington, NC
If the discomforts of early pregnancy are starting to feel overwhelming, know that you don’t have to face them alone. There are several alternative therapies available in Wilmington that can help alleviate symptoms and bring you relief. These therapies are designed to improve your physical and emotional well-being, and many are tailored to support the unique challenges of pregnancy.
1. Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care focuses on aligning the spine and optimizing nervous system function. For pregnant women, it can help ease back pain, pelvic discomfort, and muscle tension, all of which are common as your body adapts to hormonal changes.
Benefits: Pain relief, improved mobility, stress reduction
Risks: Must be done by a chiropractor experienced with pregnancy adjustments
Local Resources: Dr. Alexis Demetrius, https://healinghandschiropraktik.com/dr-alexis-demetrious , 910-686-5433, Wilmington NC
2. Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and balance. It can be especially helpful for managing morning sickness, fatigue, headaches, and anxiety during pregnancy.
Benefits: Nausea relief, improved sleep, reduced stress
Risks: Ensure you see a licensed acupuncturist with experience treating pregnant women
Local Resources: Andrew L. Sing-off, L.Ac, https://www.kingoffacupuncture.com , 910-791-3349, Wilmington NC
3. Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage is a gentle therapy that targets the aches and pains commonly experienced during pregnancy, such as lower back pain, neck tension, and swollen feet. It can also promote relaxation and improve circulation.
Benefits: Reduces muscle tension, improves circulation, promotes relaxation
Risks: Must be performed by a trained prenatal massage therapist
Local Resources: Lisa Nevarez, https://www.massagestudioa.com , 910-228-9026 Wilmington NC
4. Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles of the pelvic region, which can help with bladder control, lower back pain, and even labor preparation. It’s especially beneficial for women experiencing pelvic pain during pregnancy.
Benefits: Strengthens pelvic muscles, reduces back pain, prepares the body for labor
Risks: Can cause discomfort if done incorrectly
Local Resources: Inside Out Physical Therapy, https://www.insideoutpt.com , 810-441-4566 caroline@insideoutpt.com Wilmington NC
Catherine Duncan, DPT , catduncanpt@gmailcom 910-264-9214 Wilmington NC
The early months of pregnancy are a whirlwind of hormonal changes, and while these hormones are essential for your baby’s development, they can also bring about a host of physical and emotional discomforts. Understanding how hormones like HCG, progesterone, relaxin, estrogen, and prolactin affect your body can help you navigate these challenges with more ease.
And if the discomforts become too overwhelming, there are many local therapies in Wilmington, NC, designed to bring relief and help you feel more comfortable as your body changes. At Daybreak Doulas, we’re here to support you on your pregnancy journey, whether that means providing guidance on self-care or connecting you with local resources that can help.
Let us know how we can support you during this transformative time!
