May is Maternal Health Month, a time to raise awareness about maternal health and highlight the importance of care and support before, during and after pregnancy. It also provides an opportunity to learn about how hormonal changes affect the body during pregnancy and beyond, which is an important part of maternal health.
Women’s hormones are constantly changing throughout life, shaping both physical and emotional health at every stage. From puberty and pregnancy to perimenopause and beyond, these hormonal shifts play a key role in how women feel, function and care for their bodies. Understanding how hormones change during and after pregnancy can help women better recognize symptoms, support their health and know when to seek care.
Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy
A hormone is a “chemical messenger” produced by glands or tissues in the body that communicates signals through the bloodstream to cells or organs, telling them what actions to perform and when. Hormones are important for controlling metabolism, growth, development, mood and reproduction.
Pregnancy affects everyone differently. While some people experience many symptoms, others may notice very few. These differences are primarily driven by hormonal changes. Several key hormones play essential roles during pregnancy, supporting both the developing baby and the body’s changes.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) – This hormone is only present during pregnancy. It is produced in the placenta, which provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby while removing waste. In the first trimester, hCG levels rise and can largely contribute to nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy.
- Human placental lactogen – The placenta makes this hormone, which supports nutrition for the baby and stimulates milk production for breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
- Estrogen – Estrogen helps develop female sexual traits. Levels increase during pregnancy and are also produced by the placenta to help maintain a healthy pregnancy.
- Progesterone – This hormone is created in the ovaries and placenta during pregnancy. Levels increase to thicken the uterine lining. If pregnancy does not occur, levels drop, leading to menstruation (menstrual periods). Nausea in early pregnancy can also be caused by rising progesterone levels.
How These Hormones Affect Bodies During Pregnancy
As hormones shift and cause changes within the body, they can also create noticeable symptoms. Pregnancy affects everyone differently. Some people experience many symptoms for an extended amount of time, while others notice very few.
Many hormone-related symptoms are a normal part of pregnancy and do not usually require medical attention unless they become severe, persistent or interfere with daily activities. Typical symptoms include:
- Mild nausea or occasional vomiting
- Swelling of the feet or ankles, especially later in pregnancy
- Fatigue
- Breast/chest tenderness
- Mild headaches
- Mood changes
- Increased urination
However, if symptoms are severe, sudden, worsening or causing significant discomfort, contact your health care provider. The following symptoms should be reported as soon as possible:
- Severe or persistent nausea and vomiting that makes it hard to keep food or fluids down
- Sudden or severe swelling of the face, hands or feet
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Severe headaches, vision changes or dizziness
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Contractions
If you are unsure whether symptoms are typical, reach out to your provider. Asking questions early can provide reassurance and help ensure both you and your baby stay healthy. Providers may also recommend supplements or medications to help manage symptoms.
Mental Health Changes and Available Support
Hormonal changes during people’s lives from puberty to pregnancy, after childbirth and into menopause can all affect mental health. During these natural life changes, many people can feel isolated or emotionally drained. Prioritizing mental health and seeking help when needed are extremely important during pregnancy and perimenopause. A few of these mental health changes or symptoms include feeling sad, feeling a mood or energy shift, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, anger or irritability, headaches, body aches, stomach problems and more. (Learn more at https://womenshealth.gov). Just as women’s bodies and timelines differ, so do the challenges each person faces.
There are many online and local resources available in the Madison and Dane County area to support people through life stages when hormonal changes affect both physical and mental well-being. If you have symptoms or concerns, talking with your primary care provider can help you explore options that are right for you. If you need additional mental health support, confidential help is available through the confidential resources listed below.
- NAMI Dane County – Offers peer-led support groups for various needs, including women’s mental health, family support and more with no cost to participants.
- 211 Helpline (United Way) – Call or text 211 at any time to be connected with social services and mental health resources in Dane County.
- Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation – A nonprofit focused on women’s health and wellness education. They have various programs, news articles and events to learn more and find support.
- There are also peer support groups and online communities available through different online platforms that connect women going through the same stages of life. This is a great way to share experiences and learn from those who are going through similar pregnancy symptoms and hormonal changes.
Along with seeking a support system, there are daily tips women can follow to help their mental health throughout their everyday lives.
- Get regular exercise – Exercise is a great way to release endorphins, a natural hormone that helps relieve pain, reduce stress and improve mood. Make sure you talk with your Primary Care Provider about what exercises are right for you during your pregnancy.
- Eat healthy foods – As we’re in the warmer months of the year, fresh produce is more readily available. Make sure to add vegetables and fruits to your meals to help support overall health and energy.
- Drink lots of water and stay hydrated.
- Try meditation practices – Meditation or other relaxing activities help you be more present and calm your nervous system. There are many online resources and tools to follow meditation practices or take up calming activities, such as yoga.
- Set realistic goals – Having goals for moving your body, changing your mindset and supporting your mental health is important, but you must make them realistic and easy to achieve.
Remember, building these habits and achieving these goals will take time, and there may be setbacks along the way. Lean on a friend or loved one to help with motivation.
Hormonal changes are a regular part of life that every woman will go through, and each pregnant person’s experience is unique. There is no right or wrong experience, and it’s okay not to know what is happening to your body as the changes begin. Learning and understanding these changes can help you feel more prepared and empowered as your body undergoes them. Always remember that health care providers are there to support you through every stage of life.
Resources
Endorphins: What They Are and How to Boost Them
