We all know hormones play a crucial role during pregnancy. Hormonal changes in pregnancy help in the growth and development of the fetus. Estrogen and progesterone hormones spike high during pregnancy, which is rightly called pregnancy hormones. Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy are normal, but they can lead to complications. You may feel tired, anxious and irritable due to abnormal hormonal fluctuations. Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy can lead to serious complications, including nausea, vomiting, acidity etc. Learn how to manage hormonal changes in pregnancy for a safe pregnancy
Hormones help your body prepare for pregnancy. This is attributed to hormonal changes in your body during pregnancy. Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones responsible for fetal development. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), which causes hormonal changes in the first trimester of pregnancy, supports the early stages of pregnancy. The relaxin hormone helps loosen the bones and ligaments, thereby preparing your body for childbirth. Prolactin hormone prepares your body for milk production. Oxytocin is a hormone that is produced during the end of the pregnancy, which induces contractions and prepares your body for birth.
You may notice the following due to hormonal changes in your body.
● Nausea
● Vomiting
● Anxiety
● Mood Swings
● Insomnia
● Breast tenderness
● Acidity
If the above symptoms affect your normal life during pregnancy, consult your doctor and talk about them.
Staying active throughout pregnancy helps manage hormonal fluctuations. Exercise has a strong effect on hormonal balance. Regular physical activity improves blood circulation and induces the sensitivity of hormone receptors. Regular exercise strengthens blood vessels, improving overall fitness. It also reduces the risk of pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. It improves overall health and aids in a healthy pregnancy. Avoid strenuous exercises and engage in low-intensity exercises during pregnancy.
Sugar badly impacts hormonal secretion, leading to various complications during pregnancy. Cut off sugar completely from your diet as it optimises hormonal function. Sugar in juices, sweets, etc., instantly spikes your sugar levels. Your body becomes less responsive to insulin, leading to hormonal imbalance. This makes you feel tired throughout the day. Consume fruits and avoid fruit juices with added sugar. This helps to improve your hormonal health and reduces the risk of obesity and diabetes. Reducing sugar during pregnancy stabilises your sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity, preventing the risk of gestational diabetes. A low-sugar diet potentially enhances your overall health during pregnancy.
Hydration is crucial during pregnancy as it impacts hormonal balance and overall health. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water as water is the vital element of amniotic fluid that surrounds your baby in the fetus. Hydration helps improve blood volume, ensuring the transport of nutrients and oxygen to the blood. Drinking plenty of water avoids constipation during pregnancy.
Stress can badly impact the baby and the mother’s health. The spike in stress hormones can affect the baby’s growth, and it can lead to miscarriage and other serious complications. There are high chances for preterm birth with high levels of stress hormones. In case of stress, your body releases cortisol to manage it. Intense stress during pregnancy results in higher levels of cortisol, leading to miscarriage and pre-eclampsia. Walking, meditation and yoga can help manage your cortisol levels and reduce stress. Spending time with people you love can help reduce stress. Connect with support groups who can help you manage stress during pregnancy.
Your body undergoes several changes during pregnancy. You may experience disturbed sleep during the night due to increased oxytocin levels and fatigue. Sleep is crucial for pregnant women to adapt to the hormonal changes during pregnancy. Insulin, cortisol and other hormonal fluctuations may lead to sleep deprivation during pregnancy. This can lead to stress, hunger and insulin resistance, increasing the risk of pregnancy complications. Create a comfortable sleeping environment and limit caffeine before sleep. Set a sleeping routine and cut off screens before bed. This helps in improving the quality of sleep.
Hormonal changes are part and parcel of every pregnancy. It is important to manage hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy with simple lifestyle changes. Managing hormonal changes during pregnancy can help avoid the risk of pregnancy complications. It can also keep you calm and cheerful, impacting the baby's overall health. Follow the above tips to help manage hormonal changes during pregnancy. Consult your doctor when you notice abnormal symptoms during pregnancy.
Lifestyle changes can help correct hormonal imbalances and help you get pregnant. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress can help you manage hormonal imbalances and get pregnant.
After pregnancy, ensure you get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated and manage stress. This will help you deal with hormonal changes after pregnancy.
Meditation, outdoor physical activities, spending time with loved ones and eating foods rich in tryptophan. Also, try these to release happy hormones during pregnancy. ● Regular mild exercise like walking or prenatal yoga ● Eating a balanced diet rich in omega-3s ● Getting adequate sleep ● Practicing mindfulness or meditation ● Engaging in hobbies you enjoy ● Getting sunlight exposure ● Deep breathing exercises
These six hormones play a vital role in pregnancy: ● Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) ● Progesterone ● Oestrogen ● Oxytocin ● Relaxin ● Prolactin