Understanding your Hormones During Pregnancy Part 3

Welcome to my latest blog, and today I want to tell you about an upcoming event which is our local Baby Show on 1-2nd October at Eden Court in Inverness. Come and visit me at my stand Mama2b and have a chat about a holistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth with Hypnobirthing. Try out my range of organic Mama2b products for pregnancy, birthing and babies, and the new gift sets for pregnancy and the gift box for baby too.

Finally, read my final article on your amazing hormones.

Childbirth involves peak levels of oxytocin and prolactin. Add to these beta-endorphins our body’s natural analgesia, and our ‘fight or flight’ hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, and we have a potent cocktail.

Beta-endorphins

• Beta-endorphins are stress hormones produced in the pituitry gland and inhibits the perception of pain
• High levels are present during lovemaking, pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding
• A naturally occurring opiate with analgesic properties similar to synthetic opiates such as pethidine.
• Suppresses the immune system which may be an important factor during early pregnancy aiding acceptance by our body of our developing baby
• It induces feelings of pleasure, euphoria and dependency
• Very high levels during labour, help women to transcend pain and reach an altered state of awereness or ‘zone out’

Fight or Flight Response Hormones

• Hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline comprise our fight or flight response to stress or danger
• Collectively they are known as catecholamines (CA)
• They are secreted by the adrenal glands in response to stressors, whereby they activate the sympathetic nervous sytem for fight or flight
• In the first stage of labour high levels of catecholamines inhibit oxytocin production which in turn slows or stalls labour
• They also reduce blood flow to the uterus, placenta and indirectly to the baby as the blood is redirected to major muscles groups
• Therefore, high levels of these hormones may prolong labour and lead to fetal distress
• Recent research has indicated that a sudden increase in catecholamines at the end of labour may be beneficial, activating the ‘fetal ejection reflex’ and a surge of strong contractions facilitating an easy and quick birth
• Post delivery effects include a rapid drop in levels and subsequent side effects of feeling cold and shivery, when it is important to remain warm
• Baby also experiences high catecholamine levels at birth, which ensures that he/she is alert and responsive, important for bonding and breastfeeding

Prolactin

• Commonly known as the ‘mothering’ hormone prolactin is produced in the pituitry gland
• Increased levels during pregnancy promote development and enlargement of the mammary glands of the breasts
• Falling levels of progesterone stimulate milk production in conjunction with your baby’s sucking stimulation
• Contributes to the surfactant synthesis of your baby’s lungs which help them to mature
• Prolactin may make you feel more maternal
• High levels are found in fathers closely involved with their baby promoting bonding and reducing testosterone levels and libido, but not sexual function!
• Prolactin is produced during sleep and levels are highest at night, hence the importance of night feeding for lactation
• Baby also produces prolactin in pregnancy and early research indicates it may play a role in maturation of baby’s brain/hormone system

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. As always your comments and feedback are most welcome.

Take care,
Amanda