Pregnancy and You: Know the Changes That Occur in Your Body

Many find it difficult to comprehend fully what is causing all these changes from mood swings to constipation, extra sleep to food cravings. It is simply the effect of various hormones working in her body. Note that these very same hormone changes enable the mother to carry the baby for nine months and help it to develop. Pregnancy and expecting mothers stimulate the activity of many hormones.

1. After the egg is fertilized, it is embedded in the wall of the uterus; implantation takes place about 8 days after the impregnation. This releases the hormone B-HCG which promotes the "yellow body" (corpus luteum) to produce progesterone and estrogen during the early stages of the pregnancy. This situation is consistent for the first trimester of pregnancy, the function of the "yellow body" is eventually replaced by the placenta which makes its own progesterone, and thus the levels of ß-HCG will drop back quickly in the second trimester to between 10% and 30%.

2. Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin (HCS) or Human Placental Lactogen (HPL) - is regulated by estrogen and is produced within the placenta. It is involved in the development of the fetus and helps the breasts develop the glands that will be required for breastfeeding. This hormone also reduces the level of glucose consumed by the mother. The levels steadily increase from 3 weeks gestation to a certain limit in the last month of pregnancy.

3. Calcitonin - This is a protein-based hormone that is used to regulate the bone development. It also stops calcium from transferring from the bones into the blood system.

4. Thyroxine (T4 & T3) - is needed for the development of the central nervous system. In addition, it increases oxygen consumption and develops the ability of the fetus to metabolize proteins and carbohydrates. It also interacts with growth hormones to regulate and stimulate the baby's growth.

5. Insulin - helps the baby store food in its body and helps it regulate glucose levels.

6. Relaxin - helps the cervix and the pelvic muscles to relax, thus helping with labor and birth.

7. Oxytocin - is released in response to stretching the cervix or stimulation of the nipples. It makes the uterus contract so that birth happens rapidly. This hormone also stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk. High levels of progesterone prevent the effects of oxytocin.

8. Erythropoietin - This is produced in the kidneys. It looks after bone marrow and red blood cell production.

9. Cortisol - enables the baby to use various foods efficiently within the body.

10. Prolactin - made by the baby's kidneys and reduced about a week after birth. The level remains high in the mother's blood for around two weeks after birth. It is needed for the regulation of the mother's metabolism during pregnancy and helps in stimulating cell growth in the immune system. It also helps prepare for breastfeeding and promotes the baby's growth.

The changes that happen in the body of pregnant women are truly profound.