Pregnancy takes you on a roller-coaster ride thanks to fluctuating hormones. From the moment you find out you’re pregnant until after you give birth, there are many things happening in your body hormonally.
There are four main hormones that are most affected by pregnancy: HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), progesterone, estrogen, and HPL (human placental lactogen). These can cause mental, emotional, and physical changes in you while pregnant.
What Are the Pregnancy Hormones?
Let’s talk about the four key pregnancy hormones and how they can be balanced again:
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Often called “the pregnancy hormone,” HCG is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. In fact, pregnancy test kits actually check for the presence of this hormone in order to determine whether a woman is pregnant or not. This hormone will be present in a pregnant woman’s blood and urine.
It is widely believed that HCG is what causes morning sickness, nausea, and vomiting in pregnant women. The levels of HCG continue to increase every day during the first trimester.
Progesterone
This hormone is manufactured by a woman’s ovaries, and it’s also (on a smaller scale) manufactured by a man’s adrenal glands and testes. Progesterone is typically released by your body after ovulation in preparation for a possible pregnancy. This hormone gets your endometrium ready for a potential pregnancy and also regulates the placenta for the baby, so the body doesn’t reject the fetus.
Progesterone can cause heartburn, acid reflux, gas, constipation, and bloating. Doctors believe it is also the reason why pregnant women experience an increase in hair growth.
Estrogen
By the end of the first trimester, your body will begin to have much higher levels of estrogen, and it reaches its peak level during the third trimester. Higher levels of estrogen are linked to skin changes, such as spider veins, blotchy skin, rashes, and skin discolorations. It can also cause an increase in appetite and stuffy nose. Estrogen is also largely responsible for the glow that you get during pregnancy.
Human Placental Lactogen (HPL)
HPL is another hormone produced by the placenta, and it is what provides nutrition to the growing fetus in pregnant women. The HPL hormone breaks down fats from your diet and turns that into food for the baby. However, too much glucose in the body can cause insulin resistance, which can lead to gestational diabetes. This can turn into type 2 diabetes after giving birth; your OB/GYN will explain how to avoid this from developing.
Hormone OB/GYN Doctors in North Miami
If your hormones are wreaking havoc on your body during your pregnancy, see the experienced OB/GYN physicians here at Levin’s Women’s Health & Wellness Center near Miami Beach. Dr. Daniel Levin and Dr. Joan Alvarez know how to help your body get back into balance so you can enjoy your pregnancy.
We can create a highly individualized treatment plan to prevent or treat hormone imbalances so that you have a healthy and safe pregnancy. To schedule a consultation, call us today at (305) 981-0231 or request an appointment now by filling out our online form. We look forward to partnering with you for a wonderful pregnancy and a joyful delivery!