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. Gaining an understanding and appreciation of 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 foetus, 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:
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG): This hormone is produced by the placenta after implantation and is responsible for maintaining the production of progesterone and estrogen by the ovaries. It helps sustain the pregnancy by preventing the breakdown of the corpus luteum, which produces these hormones until the placenta takes over their production. This is the hormone that gives you a positive pregnancy test and with blood tests you will see these levels multiply quickly (most likely double) to give indication of progressing pregnancy.
- Progesterone: Progesterone is essential for maintaining the pregnancy. It helps relax the muscles of the uterus, preventing contractions and reducing the risk of premature labour. Progesterone also supports the growth of the placenta and prepares the breasts for milk production.
- Estrogen: Estrogen levels increase significantly during pregnancy. It helps stimulate the growth of the uterus, blood vessels, and breast tissue. Estrogen also plays a role in foetal organ development and the formation of the amniotic sac.
- Relaxin: This hormone is produced by the placenta and ovaries during pregnancy. It helps relax the ligaments and joints in the pelvis, allowing for easier passage of the baby during childbirth. (MORE ABOUT RELAXIN LATER !!)
- Prolactin: Prolactin is responsible for stimulating milk production in the breasts. Its levels rise during pregnancy, preparing the mammary glands for breastfeeding.
- Oxytocin: Oxytocin is often referred to as the “love hormone” as it plays a crucial role in bonding and social interactions. During pregnancy, oxytocin helps stimulate contractions during labor and promotes the release of breast milk during breastfeeding.
The body is an absolutely amazing well-oiled ship during pregnancy and these hormones work intricately and in unison to support the growth and development of the foetus, 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, the group of muscles and connective tissue that supports the bladder, uterus, rectum and of course, during pregnancy; the growing foetus, placenta, amniotic sac and amniotic fluid. During pregnancy, the hormonal changes can have various effects on the pelvic floor, including:
- Relaxation of pelvic floor muscles: The hormone relaxin is thought to contribute to the reduced tension within soft tissue that supports the bony pelvis which can assist in the preparation for childbirth. It has been suggested that relaxin is responsible for “PELVIC INSTABILITY” however this is yet to be supported in the literature. It is also suggested that Relaxin may influence the pelvic floor muscles, possibly making them more susceptible to stretch, most likely as a result of increased strain on the facial tissue and connections.
- Increased blood flow: Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase blood flow to the pelvic region, including the pelvic floor muscles. This increased blood flow can enhance the nourishment and oxygen supply to the muscles, promoting their health and function.
- Increased pressure on the pelvic floor: As the uterus expands to accommodate the growing foetus, it puts pressure on the pelvic floor muscles. This pressure, combined with the hormonal changes, can strain the pelvic floor and potentially lead to issues like urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.
- Preparation for childbirth: Towards the end of pregnancy, the hormone oxytocin plays a crucial role in stimulating contractions during labour. These contractions put additional strain on the pelvic floor muscles as they work to support the baby’s descent through the birth canal.
It is important to note that while hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the pelvic floor, other factors such as genetics, previous pregnancies, and lifestyle choices also play a role in pelvic floor health. Undergoing Pelvic Floor assessment during pregnancy can help to determine any underlying pelvic floor issues, assess current strength, and ability to isolate a pelvic floor contraction and put a plan in place to minimize the risk of pelvic floor issues during and after pregnancy.
RELAXIN
Let’s quickly take a look at the research and the role of relaxin as the primary culprit in pelvic girdle pain, and “pelvic Instability”.
It is important to note that Relaxin does significantly increase during pregnancy, particularly in the FIRST TRIMESTER, and considering most reported cases of pelvic girdle pain, pubic symphysis and low back pain are within the last trimester, it is unfair and unlikely that Relaxin is solely to blame.
Soft tissue laxity is thought to be as a result of a combination of the body’s ability to release its amazing concoction of hormones in synchrony throughout pregnancy to make gestation and childbirth the miracle that it is. 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, recovery, breastfeeding and so much more.
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
