Hormones are the body’s internal communications system, signalling to different parts of the body to let them know what’s going on. It is helpful to understand how hormone fluctuations during pregnancy can drive physical and emotional changes,.
Here we explore the hormone changes during each trimester, their impact, and when to seek help from your healthcare team.
First trimester:
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG):
Role: hCG signals the corpus luteum (a mass of cells in the ovary) to produce progesterone, which supports the early pregnancy stages.
Impact: Elevated hCG levels can contribute to morning sickness, fatigue, and heightened emotions.
Progesterone:
Role: Maintains the uterine lining, preventing menstruation and supporting embryo implantation.
Impact: Increased levels may cause mood swings, fatigue, and changes in appetite.
Oestrogen:
Role: Promotes foetal development and prepares the body for childbirth.
Impact: Elevated oestrogen levels can contribute to breast tenderness, nausea, and emotional sensitivity.
Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15):
Role: Emerging research suggests that GDF15 may play a role in regulating metabolism and energy balance during pregnancy.
Impact: Its influence on appetite and metabolic processes is an area of ongoing investigation. How much morning sickness a mother feels depends on how much of the hormone is produced by the foetus, and how much exposure the mother has to this hormone before becoming pregnant.
Second trimester:
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG):
Decline: hCG levels decrease as the placenta assumes hormone production.
Impact: Morning sickness tends to subside.
Oestrogen and progesterone:
Continuedincrease: These hormones continue to rise, supporting foetal growth and preparing the body for labour.
Impact: Emotional stability often improves, and the mother may have increased energy.
Prolactin:
Role: Prepares the body for breastfeeding.
Impact: Elevated levels may contribute to changes in breast size and sensitivity.
GDF15:
Role: GDF15 may influence appetite and energy expenditure during pregnancy.
Impact: Ongoing studies are exploring how GDF15 may contribute to metabolic adaptations during this trimester.
Third trimester:
Oestrogen and progesterone:
Peak: Hormone levels reach their highest point to prepare the body for labour.
Impact: There can be physical discomfort, emotional highs and lows, and increased fatigue.
Oxytocin:
Role: Initiates contractions during labour and promotes bonding between mother and baby.
Impact: Emotional closeness, heightened awareness, and potential feelings of anxiety.
GDF15:
Role: Ongoing research is looking at GDF15’s role in regulating appetite and metabolism in late pregnancy.
Impact: Its influence on energy balance is an area of current investigation.
Emotional impact:
Mood:
Fluctuations in hormones can contribute to changes in mood, ranging from elation to tearfulness.
Anxiety and stress:
The anticipation of parenthood and hormonal changes may lead to heightened anxiety levels.
Fatigue:
Hormonal shifts, especially in the first and third trimesters, can contribute to increased fatigue.
Body image concerns:
Changes in hormone levels may affect how a woman perceives her body during pregnancy.
Seeking help:
Persistent mood changes:
If emotional challenges persist, it’s crucial to seek the advice from your healthcare team or a mental health professional.
Intense anxiety or depression:
Persistent feelings of anxiety or depression should prompt immediate consultation with a healthcare professional to explore appropriate interventions.
Physical symptoms:
If hormonal changes are accompanied by severe physical symptoms, such as insomnia or appetite changes, seek help from a healthcare professional.
Suicidal thoughts:
Any thoughts of self-harm or harm to the baby require immediate medical attention.
