The hormones oestrogen and progesterone are present right through the pregnancy in the placenta and as the pregnancy progresses the levels escalate. It is the hormonal changes during pregnancy which cause a lot of changes in the woman's body and her temperament. She suffers with mood swings, craving for certain foods, loss of appetite and constipation all because of the hormonal changes which are taking place in her body during pregnancy. Apart from all this there is the risk of kidney infection and a change in the sleep pattern.
The effects of hormonal changes during pregnancy all happen to prepare the mother's body for the birth of her baby. These hormonal changes also help in the development and growth of her baby. Apart from the physical discomforts caused by the raised levels of progesterone like headaches, blurry eyesight, runny nose and heartburn, progesterone also helps in the development of the endometrium and with the assistance of estrogen secretes fluids.
The breast tissues grow with the increase in the progesterone level, but because of the oestrogen prevents lactation till the baby is born. Progesterone prevents uterine contractions and keeps the baby in the womb until it reaches full term.
Hormonal changes after pregnancy are a drop in the levels which cause the women to go through "baby blues". There are signs of depression and last for almost two weeks and get resolved on their own. Post partum depression can be a serious problem if it does not disappear on its own and the mother may need help. These symptoms are usually more severe in women who have had problems with severe PMS.
The hormonal changes in pregnancy all facilitate the growth and the birth of the fetus. The raised levels of hormones remain until the baby is born and then decrease to the normal levels once again. It is the change in the levels of hormones which give rise to several behavioral changes in pregnant women including choice of foods and sleeping habits. The hormonal levels differ at each trimester of pregnancy.
Among various hormones Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for making the uterus contract and the cervix stretch. This hormone also acts on the nipples stimulating them and getting them prepared to nurse the baby. The hormone lactogen encourages the production of milk and calcitonin prevents bones from getting decalcified. Every hormone in a woman's body has a specific purpose while she is pregnant and even after the birth of the baby.
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