Having a baby is one of the most joyous times in every woman’s life and brings it with many changes both physical and emotional. The first trimester of pregnancy refers to the first three months after your last period. Different women respond in different ways to pregnancy, but there are many things that you may expect during the 1st trimester. The first thing that happens to a woman’s body during pregnancy is the hormones levels change. Pregnancy hormones first trimester like progesterone, estrogen, human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), Human placental lactogen (CPL) and prolactin are automatically shoot up in the first trimester.
Here are the 5 pregnancy hormones first trimester:
Progesterone: Progesterone is a major hormone of pregnancy. This hormone is produced by the placenta and by the ovaries during pregnancy. It stimulates lactation to give the baby essential nutrition by lining the uterine walls and it also protects your baby. This hormone is very important for the growth of the fetus. It is a smooth muscle relaxant that may slow gastric emptying which in turn cause heart burn, acid reflux and also decrease the tone of your bowel thus leading to constipation during pregnancy.
Estrogen: Estrogen is a female hormone generated in the ovaries. While in the first trimester, estrogen production is made by the placenta that helps to maintain a healthy pregnancy. The increased estrogen levels in pregnancy help the uterus and placenta to improve vascularisation, transfer nutrients and also support the developing fetus. Estrogen is also responsible for the growth and maturation of fetal organs such as the kidneys, liver, and lungs as well as reproductive organs. The rapid increase in estrogen levels during the first trimester will cause some of nausea associated with pregnancy.
Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG): Your HCG levels change dramatically during the first trimester. the hormone HCG is produced by the placenta that helps to provide nourishment to your baby after the fertilized egg become attached to the uterine wall. HCG is one of the pregnancy hormones first trimester that lead to early symptoms like fatigue and morning sickness.
Human placental lactogen (HCl): Human placental lactogen is a growth hormone produced by the placenta, the organ that develops during pregnancy to help feed the growing baby. It affects your metabolism by breaking down the fat to supply nutrition for your developing baby. It plays a role of stimulating the milk glands in the breasts in anticipation of breastfeeding.
Prolactin: Prolactin is also known as “mothering” hormone as it is produced in the pituitary gland. The increased levels during the first trimester of pregnancy help to promote the development and enlargement of the mammary glands of the breast. Prolactin is also responsible for the growth of a baby’s brain and hormone system.
Each pregnancy hormones first trimester has its own unique responsibilities and plays a vital role in your ability to reproduce, nurture, support and protect your baby during pregnancy and childbirth.
