All about pregnancy hormones

HCG, a key hormone to confirm pregnancy

The hormone HCG (chorionic gonadotropin hormone) is secreted by the cells of the future placenta from the moment the embryo attaches itself to the uterine wall. It is this which can detect that you are pregnant during the pregnancy test. The level of HCG reaches its maximum around the 10th week of pregnancy, then gradually decreases. A relief for many of us during pregnancy, since this release of hormones is often associated with nausea.

Progesterone, for implantation of the embryo

Progesterone is first produced by the corpus luteum, located inside the ovary, in the early stages of pregnancy, and then by the placenta. Its role is to maintain the uterine lining intended to accommodate the embryo during the implantation.

Estrogen, a major hormone for the development of the uterus

Estrogen stimulates uterine growth to support the fetus by for sustainable. These hormones also play a role in changing the breasts throughout pregnancy for breastfeeding.

Placental lactogen hormone, to prepare for breastfeeding

HLP is another hormone that is used to stimulate the development and differentiation of the mammary glands to prepare them forfeeding. It is produced by the placenta from the 5th week of pregnancy and its rate increases continuously until childbirth. HLP also acts on the metabolism during pregnancy.

Thyroid hormones, for fetal growth

During pregnancy, the gland thyroid of the mother must supply the fetus with the hormones necessary for its development, until those of the fetus take over, around the 20th week of pregnancy. These hormones play an essential role in the growth of a child’s bone and nervous system; a defect in thyroid hormones resulting in dwarfism and mental retardation.

Oxytocin, to trigger contractions

Before childbirth, the pituitary gland releasesOxytocin in the blood, which will promote the arrival of contractions uterine. This same hormone is also used in synthetic form and intravenously to artificially trigger childbirth. It also allows the uterus to retract to its previous size after birth and also plays an important role in breastfeeding, as it causes milk to be ejected from the breast.

Endorphins, to support the pain of childbirth

Known as pleasure hormones, endorphins are secreted by the brain during stress or pain. They thus allow the mother to endure increasingly strong contractions and closer and closer. They also encourage the mother to follow her instinct to give birth, by causing her “primitive” brain to take control.