Pregnancy hormones can bring about changes in the body, organ function, and emotions of pregnant women. Although some may feel uncomfortable, these changes are important for maintaining the health of you and your baby.
There are pregnancy hormones that just arise during pregnancy, some are already there before pregnancy, although at different levels. Pregnancy hormones are divided into several types, namely the hormone hCG, hPL, estrogen, progesterone, oxytocin, and prolactin.
These pregnancy hormones have an important role in supporting the health of pregnant women and fetuses. However, sometimes these hormonal changes can cause complaints during pregnancy, such as fatigue, canker sores, and constipation.
Types of Pregnancy Hormones
Here are some types of pregnancy hormones and hormones that change during pregnancy and their functions:
1. Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG)
Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone It is a pregnancy hormone produced in the placenta. This hormone is often used as a positive reference for pregnancy in pregnant women test pack sold in the market. The hormone hCG functions to maintain pregnancy and fetal development.
Low hCG levels are normal in early pregnancy. However, it can also be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and stillbirth. Meanwhile, very high levels of hCG can be a sign of twin pregnancy, Down's syndrome, or pregnant with grapes.
2. Human placental lactogen (hPL)
Human placental lactogen It is produced by the placenta from the time you are 2 weeks pregnant. Hormones which are also known as human chorionic somatomammotropin This plays a role in preparing the nutrients needed by the fetus and stimulates the mammary glands in the breast until breastfeeding.
3. Estrogen
Estrogen is already present in a woman's body before pregnancy. However, the levels will increase significantly since pregnancy. This increase in hormone levels triggers the emergence of nausea, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. In the second trimester, this hormone contributes to the enlargement of the milk ducts in the breast.
The functions and effects of the hormone estrogen during pregnancy include:
- Forms new blood vessels to deliver nutrients to the fetus.
- It helps in providing the nutrients the fetus needs to develop.
- Supports fetal development.
- Increases blood flow in the body, including blood flow to the skin, causing the effect of glowing in some pregnant women.
4. Progesterone
The hormone progesterone has also been present from before pregnancy, but its levels will increase when you are pregnant. Increased levels of this hormone during pregnancy trigger the appearance of fine hairs on the breast or stomach, dizziness, heartburn, nausea, and constipation.
Although it can have unpleasant effects, progesterone plays a role in:
- Keeps the uterine muscles relaxed during pregnancy.
- Maintain the thickness of the uterine wall while the fetus is developing.
- Protect the immune system against the presence of the fetus in the body.
- Prepares the breasts to produce milk.
5. Oxytocin
The hormone oxytocin plays an important role in the birth process. This hormone flexes the cervix at the end of pregnancy, making it easier for the baby to come out. At the same time, this hormone will also stimulate the nipples to produce milk and stimulate the Montgomery glands around the nipple and areola, so that after birth the baby can breastfeed immediately.
6. Prolactin
The hormone prolactin will increase as much as 10-20 times when you are pregnant. This increase in hormones is beneficial in preparing breast tissue for breastfeeding by helping to produce abundant milk production.
Pregnancy hormones have important functions for the health of the mother and fetus. However, the presence of these hormones often causes discomfort for pregnant women. If the discomfort you feel is very disturbing, consult a doctor so that the complaint can be resolved.