Hormonal changes in pregnancy

From the moment of conception, a series of hormones begin to act in the body of the pregnant woman. Some of them occur only in pregnancy and others already exist previously but modify their levels during pregnancy. Progesterone, hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, estrogen or lactogen are the resp

From the moment of conception, a series of hormones begin to act in the body of the pregnant woman. Some of them occur only in pregnancy and others already exist previously but modify their levels during pregnancy. Progesterone, hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, estrogen or lactogen are the responsible for physical changes such as the growth of the uterus or breast augmentation and even emotional.

Hormones that act in pregnancy

- Human chorionic gonadotropin or HCG is a star hormone of pregnancy, occurs only in pregnant women and their levels begin to increase just after the implantation of the embryo. It is present in the mother's urine and blood, which is why it is used both in pregnancy tests and in blood tests to detect pregnancy.

- Estrogens: they already exist previously but their levels increase during pregnancy. They are produced in the ovaries and are responsible for stimulating the growth of the uterus. They also participate in the increase of the size of the chest and help to favor the production of milk. It is a hormone that acts in pregnancy, childbirth and lactation.

- Progesterone: this hormone helps to strengthen the tissues in which the uterus lodges and prepares it to receive the fertilized ovum, also relaxes the uterus so that contractions occur. It helps in breast augmentation and in the different changes that occur in the breasts to produce breast milk.

- Lactogen: its function is mainly focused on promoting breastfeeding, which is that it prepares the mammary glands to produce milk. In addition, it is also responsible for ensuring proper fetal development by producing enough energy for it.

This hormonal dance during pregnancy, is also responsible for the pregnant woman suffering from mood swings or emotional, fatigue or increased body temperature especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, until the body gets used to new levels of hormones such as progesterone or estrogen.