Understanding your pregnancy hormones

Right now, every odd sensation and “off” mood you experience is a result of an overall increase in hormones, explains Dr Elizabeth de Gouveia, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Mediclinic Muelmed.

“During your first trimester and early second trimester, progesterone is prominent,” she says. This hormone is responsible for preparing your body for pregnancy, by creating a healthy uterine lining that’s capable of supporting your fertilised egg, the embryo and, ultimately, the fetus. In fact, if your progesterone levels drop too low, you might have issues like bleeding or even a miscarriage. So, the rise in progesterone is actually good, though it can cause moodiness, tiredness, and nausea. It also makes your ligaments and joints softer.

At the same time, your oestrogen levels are going up and will peak during the third trimester. This hormone helps the baby's development, moves nutrients, forms blood vessels, and develops milk ducts so you can breastfeed after the baby is born. However, the side-effects can be tough. Oestrogen can make you feel nauseous in the first trimester. While some women get the pregnancy “glow” from extra blood flow making their skin look healthy, others might experience acne and discolouration. Also, although it can make your hair appear shinier, it can also lead to weight gain, mood swings, and headaches.

The third hormone at play during pregnancy is testosterone. You’d be correct in thinking that this is a male hormone, but women also have testosterone: it plays a role in balancing other reproductive hormones and is essential for bone health. Interestingly, this hormone increases during your second trimester. This increase has its pros and cons: it might boost your libido, but it can also cause acne, according to Dr de Gouveia.

These hormones are essential to your pregnancy, but unfortunately, you can't avoid their different effects. That said, a little self-care will certainly make you feel stronger, so be sure to keep your body moving; eat small, regular, protein-packed meals, and get as much rest as possible.