The role of hormones during pregnancy

The main hormones present during pregnancy are:
• Progesterone: stimulates tissue thickness in the uterus to prepare for the fertilized egg, allowing the baby to develop in the womb during the 9 months of pregnancy
• Human chorionic gonadotropin: it’s found in the mother’s bloodstream and stimulates the production of estrogen and progesterone. The presence of this hormone confirms a pregnancy
• Oxytocin: this hormone is in charge of delivery contractions and mother-child attachment
• Prolactin: stimulates the mammary glands in preparation for breastfeeding
• Estrogen: its higher during pregnancy, producing changes in your body, skin, hair and nails

You might find yourself feeling extra sensitive and receptive to other’s emotions and needs during pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuation generates a rollercoaster of emotions, so laughing or crying for no apparent reason could often happen. You might also be more forgetful during the day. However, experts believe that this is due to your being more attentive to your baby’s needs, so other things become irrelevant. Hormones play a big part in pregnancy. Knowing the purpose of each of them could help you understand your emotional reactions better.