Karen Denwood Physiotherapy
Pregnancy is an opportunity to learn about the amazing changes our bodies go through and the reasons behind these changes. It is a time for understanding, educating ourselves, and empowerment.
This blog will focus on the essential hormones that play a significant role in the remarkable journey that is pregnancy. Pregnancy is undoubtedly a remarkable time filled with numerous physiological changes. Understanding and appreciating the hormones involved and the changes they are associated with is key to comprehending the intricate processes that occur throughout the pre-natal period. From supporting the growth and development of the fetus to preparing the female body for childbirth and breastfeeding, these hormones orchestrate a symphony of changes.
Let us delve into the fascinating world of pregnancy hormones and explore their effects on a woman’s body.
During pregnancy, several hormones play crucial roles in supporting the growth and development of the fetus, as well as preparing the woman’s body for childbirth and breastfeeding.
The main hormones that we will hear about or need to know about in pregnancy are:
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Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG): Produced by the placenta after implantation, responsible for maintaining progesterone and estrogen production by the ovaries. Helps sustain pregnancy and is the hormone detected in a positive pregnancy test.
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Progesterone: Essential for maintaining pregnancy. Relaxes uterine muscles, prevents contractions, reduces risk of premature labour, supports placenta growth, and prepares breasts for milk production.
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Estrogen: Levels increase significantly during pregnancy. Stimulates growth of the uterus, blood vessels, and breast tissue, supports fetal organ development, and amniotic sac formation.
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Relaxin: Produced by the placenta and ovaries, helps relax ligaments and joints in the pelvis, allowing easier passage of the baby during childbirth.
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Prolactin: Stimulates milk production in the breasts. Prepares mammary glands for breastfeeding.
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Oxytocin: Known as the “love hormone”, plays a role in bonding and social interactions. Stimulates contractions during labor and promotes milk release during breastfeeding.
The body is an amazing well-oiled ship during pregnancy, and these hormones work intricately and in unison to support fetal growth, prepare the body for childbirth, and initiate breastfeeding. Their levels fluctuate throughout pregnancy, with each hormone playing a specific role in different stages of gestation.
THE EFFECT OF PREGNANCY HORMONES ON THE PELVIC FLOOR
The pelvic floor is the group of muscles and connective tissue that supports the bladder, uterus, rectum, and during pregnancy, the growing fetus, placenta, amniotic sac, and amniotic fluid. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can have various effects on the pelvic floor, including:
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Relaxation of pelvic floor muscles: Relaxin contributes to reduced tension in soft tissues supporting the bony pelvis, assisting in preparation for childbirth. Relaxin may influence the pelvic floor muscles, possibly making them more susceptible to stretch.
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Increased blood flow: Hormonal changes increase blood flow to the pelvic region, enhancing nourishment and oxygen supply to the muscles, promoting health and function.
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Increased pressure on the pelvic floor: As the uterus expands, it puts pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, which combined with hormonal changes, can strain the pelvic floor and lead to urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.
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Preparation for childbirth: Towards the end of pregnancy, oxytocin stimulates contractions during labour, which puts additional strain on the pelvic floor muscles as they support the baby’s descent.
Other factors such as genetics, previous pregnancies, and lifestyle choices also play a role in pelvic floor health. Pelvic Floor assessment during pregnancy can determine underlying issues, assess current strength, and help minimise the risk of pelvic floor problems during and after pregnancy.
RELAXIN
Relaxin significantly increases during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. Most reported cases of pelvic girdle pain, pubic symphysis, and low back pain occur in the last trimester, making it unlikely that relaxin alone is responsible.
Soft tissue laxity is thought to result from the body’s coordinated release of hormones throughout pregnancy, supporting gestation, childbirth, and recovery.
As a Women’s Health Physiotherapist, I am in absolute awe of the female body and its ability to adapt, support, and facilitate pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and recovery.
I hope this article has given you some insight into the world of pregnancy hormones and if you do have questions, please reach out.
Love from your pregnant body’s Cheerleader
Karen Denwood Physio XOXO
