The hormonal rollercoaster during pregnancy

The main reason why hormones "go crazy", as the saying goes, is that their production shifts from the ovaries (in the non-pregnant state) to the placenta during pregnancy. Because this transfer only happens gradually, there is an excess of hormones, especially in the first three months of pregnancy. Even the most down-to-earth woman can suddenly turn into a hormone-driven teenager. Fortunately for everyone involved, however, the hormonal emergency disappears again as soon as the placenta is working properly, usually from the fifth month onwards, and there are also women who are spared excessive hormone production. If, on the other hand, your emotions are already on a rollercoaster, it may help to deal with the "culprits" and their important tasks for your baby's development.

Pregnancy hormones - their functions and side effects

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)

The hormone HCG is an important stimulant for the production of the hormones progestogen and oestrogen, which in turn are necessary for the best possible development of the unborn child. Almost all pregnancy tests work by detecting an increased HCG level in the urine or blood. Unfortunately, according to studies, the hormone is also responsible for typical pregnancy nausea.

Progesterone

The best-known member of the progestogen family is also known as the corpus luteum hormone. Once the egg has been successfully fertilised, it has a variety of tasks. The hormone increases blood flow, prevents premature contractions of the uterus and thickens its mucous membrane. It also improves blood circulation in the pelvis and stimulates milk production in the breasts. However, its relaxing effect also makes the bowel sluggish and frequent urination in the first few weeks of pregnancy is also due to an increased release of progesterone.

oestrogen

Typically female, this hormone brings the egg cell to maturity in the first place. As the pregnancy progresses, it is responsible for ensuring that the heart and circulatory system can cope with the new physical changes and that the baby is supplied with sufficient oxygen. Oestrogen also helps to prepare the glands in the breast tissue for milk production. A great side effect of its increased secretion: the improved blood circulation makes the complexion appear fresher and the hair healthier.

Oxytocin is a pregnancy hormone that only plays an important role towards the end of pregnancy. It has labour-promoting properties and helps to stretch the uterus and pelvic floor for the birth.

Emotional rollercoaster during pregnancy - tips against emotional ups and downs

Distraction helps best with any kind of mental imbalance. Homeopathy, for example calming tea preparations with valerian, can also help you overcome mood swings. However, consult your doctor or midwife beforehand. There is no pill to counteract mental lows, but there are plenty of other options that can bring you back into balance:

• A walk in the fresh air helps you to take your mind off things and stimulates your circulation.
• A relaxing, sensual bubble bath relaxes you and lets your worries drift away.
• Unwind on the couch in the evening with your favourite film or good music.
• Talk to your favourite people, partner, girlfriend or even other pregnant women about your fears and worries.
• It also helps to simply allow your feelings to come out. Tears are a cleansing thunderstorm for the soul. You don't have to be ashamed of them

When your partner suddenly seems to have changed - tips for fathers-to-be

Pregnancy itself is an adventure for both parties of a soon-to-be family, which prepares them for the even greater adventure of being parents. Fathers-to-be sometimes have to endure a lot when the unbridled hormonal fluctuations of their pregnant ladies of the heart overwhelm them. Humour and the knowledge of the finite nature of this phase also help fathers to get through it unscathed. A bitchy, whiny and sometimes even unfair pregnant woman really only wants one thing from her partner: to be hugged firmly, honestly and understandingly despite everything.