Contents
Birth hormones
Hormones play an essential role in our body. These chemicals, secreted in the brain, remotely regulate the functioning of the human body by acting on our physical as well as psychic state. At the time of childbirth, they have a determining role: a woman must receive a very specific cocktail of hormones in order to be able to give birth to her child.
Oxytocin, to facilitate work
Oxytocin is the birth hormone par excellence. It is first secreted in the preparatory phase for childbirth to prepare the uterus. Then, on D-day, she participates in the smooth running of labor by increasing the intensity of contractions and facilitating uterine mobility. Oxytocin levels progress throughout labor and peak just after birth to allow the uterus to take off the placenta. Nature is well done since this process, known as delivery, helps prevent postpartum hemorrhage. After childbirth, the baby’s sucking reflex, when breastfeeding begins, stimulates the production of oxytocin which accelerates healing and promotes the secretion of prolactin. But oxytocin does not only have mechanical virtues, it is also mutual attachment hormone, pleasure, letting go, it is also secreted in large quantities during sexual intercourse.
Prostaglandins, to prepare the ground
Prostaglandins are produced mainly during the last trimester of pregnancy and increased during childbirth. This hormone plays on the receptivity of the musculature of the uterus to make it more sensitive to oxytocin. Clear, prostaglandins have a preparatory role by promoting the maturation and softening of the cervix. Note: semen contains prostaglandins, which is why it is customary to say that having sex at the very end of pregnancy can trigger labor, even if this phenomenon has never been proven. This is the famous “Italian trigger”.
Adrenaline, to find the strength to give birth
Adrenaline is secreted by the central nervous system in response to increased stress, both physical and psychological. It causes a series of immediate physiological responses: increased heart rate, increased heartbeat, increased blood pressure… In emergency situations, this hormone makes it possible to find the necessary resources to fight and flee. Just before birth, it becomes essential because it helps the woman to mobilize the monumental energy essential to expel the child.. But when too much is secreted during the labor phase, adrenaline inhibits the production of oxytocin, thereby disrupting uterine dynamics and hence the progression of cervical dilation. Stress, fear of the unknown, insecurity are all feelings that will increase the production of adrenaline, which is detrimental to childbirth.
Endorphins, to neutralize pain
During childbirth, a woman uses endorphins to manage the intense pain of the contractions. This hormone reduces painful sensations and promotes a calming state in the mother. By short-circuiting the neocortex (rational brain), endorphins allow a woman to activate her primitive brain, the one that knows how to give birth. She then accesses a total letting go, a complete opening of herself, close to euphoria. At the moment of birth, the mother is invaded by an impressive quantity of endorphins. These hormones are also predominant in the quality of the mother-child bond.
Prolactin, to trigger the flow of milk
The production of prolactin increases throughout pregnancy and reaches a maximum level right after birth. Like oxytocin, prolactin is the hormone of maternal love, mothering, it sharpens the mother’s interest in her child, allows him to be attentive to his needs. But it is also, and above all lactation hormone : prolactin triggers the flow of milk after childbirth which is then stimulated by nipple sucking.