•
HCG or human chorionic gonadotrophin
is nicknamed the “thin blue line” hormone
and rightfully so because in urine, the presence of
HCG triggers a positive result when testing for pregnancy.
There is also a possible association between high levels
of HCG with nausea in the first trimester of pregnancy;
nothing in the affirmative but HCG is a possible suspect
for morning sickness. This hormone is also responsible
for triggering the ovaries into producing the hormone
progesterone, which amongst its many functions is responsible
for the cessation of monthly periods during the pregnancy
tenure.
• The hormones responsible for milk production
are called
human placental lactogen or HPL,
prolactin, oestrogen, and progesterone. HPL is responsible
for those oversized breasts and the secretion of colostrums
or premilk which may start to leak from your breasts
as early as the fifth month and is produced in proper
right after delivery during the initial days.
•
Relaxin is the hormone responsible
for making ligaments and tissues go soft and become
more elastic; this provides increased flexibility to
the joints of the pelvis and back. This comes in handy
especially during delivery. However on the flipside
it is also the cause of the 'waddle' in your walk and
the pains of later pregnancy.
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•
Discoloration during pregnancy
is attributed to Melanocyte stimulating hormone or MSH;
in the later part of pregnancy, high levels of MSH causes
nipples to darken, dark patches on the face and the
appearance of the dark vertical line on your abdomen
called linea nigra, which literally means black line.
•
Oxytocin stimulates Braxton
Hicks - the practice contractions of the uterus; in
fact oxytocin (the synthetic version) drips are often
administered to induce labor and to expel the placenta
after the birth of baby. Oxytocin contractions are stronger
and longer than natural contractions.
•
Progesterone is one of the
two important hormones that are required in maintaining
pregnancy; it is produced in the ovaries even before
you become pregnant but during pregnancy, the placenta
takes over the production. The production increases
by ten fold. It prevents miscarriage by controlling
the uterine muscles. It controls the muscles in the
bladder, intestines, and bowel so that they are more
flexible despite the weight of the growing uterus. It
also increases body temperature, breathing rate, dilates
the blood vessels (this reduces blood pressure thereby
making you feel faint and nauseas) and helps in lactation.
Progesterone levels drop once you have delivered and
continue to drop for a few days.
• The other key hormone is
oestrogen;
this too is first produced by the ovaries and later
on by the placenta. The production levels increase many
times over during the pregnancy months to facilitate
in the smooth running of this phase. Oestrogen takes
care of all aspects of pregnancy: strengthening the
uterus, stimulating the mammary glands into producing
milk, softening the body tissues. Excess oestrogen has
been linked to nausea in the first 12 weeks but nothing
conclusive to this speculation yet. High levels of oestrogen
trickles down immediately after baby is born and continues
to drop for a few days.
• Finally
endorphins (morphine-like
hormones) produced by the brain during pregnancy and
especially during labor time, replicate the effects
of a sedative; this hormone helps in toning down pain
and stress. After birth, the levels drop fast and sharp.
This hormone has also been held responsible for those
low feelings of baby blues and the more lasting feelings
of depression.
