Hormones During Pregnancy - What to Expect

The role of hormones plays a significant part of the process during pregnancy and labour. The principal origins of these hormones in relation to pregnancy derive from the ovaries during the early stages, and then move on to the placenta once it becomes established at around 12 weeks. Hormones are vitally important because they dictate how quickly the fetus develops and are solely responsible for the changes you will undergo in your breasts and body. They are also responsible for ensuring that your labour takes place at the correct time.

During the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy you will experience high levels of the HCG hormone also known as the 'Human Chorionic Conadotrophin' which is responsible for emotional changes, the dreaded nausea, tiredness and vomiting.

The stages of pregnancy can introduce a variety of conflicting emotions, these range from feelings of elation to occasions of depression. It is important to understand that these feelings are perfectly natural and are down to your mind and body adapting to your current situation and the realisation that your life is about to become extremely different. Feelings around the confidence of your ability to become a mother or the impact that your new baby may place on your relationship with your husband or partner, are also considered to be normal. You may also find yourself suffering from significant mood changes which can cause friction between a pregnant mother and their partner.

It is worth considering the symptoms during the early part of pregnancy and setting aside some time with you and your partner to discuss these potential situations and importantly, what is causing them. Your irritability and anxiety for the most part is a result of the hormonal changes within your body and therefore mood swings and subsequent arguments are not a personal attack on any one person but are however the result of your bodily changes.

Given your emotions will be very much up and down during pregnancy is important to not dwell on arguments with your husband or partner but focus upon apologising and making up. If you feel yourself becoming tense take some time out to practice some relaxation techniques in a quiet environment. Deep breathing exercises are also a very good source of relaxation which can help you deal with your current emotional state.