Hormonal fluctuations are a natural and essential part of pregnancy and the postpartum period, playing a critical role in both the development of the baby and the physical changes in the mother’s body.
During pregnancy, hormone levels undergo significant changes to support the growing fetus. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is one of the first hormones to rise, signaling the pregnancy to the body.
Estrogen and progesterone levels also increase, helping to maintain the uterine lining, support fetal development, and prepare the breasts for breastfeeding. These hormonal changes can cause a range of symptoms, including mood swings, nausea, and fatigue.
After childbirth, the body undergoes a dramatic hormonal shift. Estrogen and progesterone levels drop quickly, which can lead to feelings of sadness, irritability, or emotional instability, often referred to as the “baby blues.” For some women, these feelings can extend beyond two weeks, developing into postpartum depression, a condition that requires medical attention.
Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, increases after delivery to support breastfeeding. However, as the baby starts to wean, prolactin levels drop, contributing to hormonal fluctuations and the body’s adjustment to life postpartum.
Understanding these hormonal changes is essential for expecting and new mothers, as they impact physical health, emotional well-being, and overall recovery during the pregnancy and postpartum journey.
Infographic provided by International Surrogacy Center, a top company to help become a surrogate
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