Pregnancy

Hormonal Changes during Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy are quite common. Hormone levels can shift causing changes in your mood, your skin, and your body. The physical and emotional aspects of a woman are all affected when she becomes pregnant. Each stage of pregnancy gives a woman more distress with her ever-changing body and emotions. The tearing up over everything faze will eventually end and then you will be carrying home your new little one in your arms.

One major change while pregnant is your breasts. They become sore and tender as they prepare themselves for breastfeeding. The milk glands are enlarging and some women may even notice colostrum leaking from their breast towards the end of the pregnancy. This is normal and what happens before your milk comes in. Also pregnant women experience frequent urination and problems sleeping. Both can be contributed to the baby. Your unborn child is using your bladder as a play toy and then keeping you up all night with his pushing on your belly while you try and sleep. This can get the mom to be in quite a mood. She is uncomfortable with her size and the lack of rest. Be patient, it will be over sooner than you think.

Most women experience the mother of all mood changes while they are pregnant. These hormone changes cause the new mom to be to be happy one second and then crying at the kitchen sick the next. Stress and fatigue also contribute to these sudden bursts of emotion. Talk out your feelings with your partner or a support group and pamper yourself. You deserve it. Your body does go through a lot of changes, including the ever-popular stretch marks. All pregnant women get them in one form or another. Be proud of them, they are marks that remind you of your little one.

Your skin may also suffer from hormonal changes during pregnancy. Chloasma may occur. This is referred to as the “mask of pregnancy” and it is noticeable by brown coloring on your cheeks, forehead, and nose. Your skin may also have more breakouts during pregnancy. Your nipples may darken and a line may appear on your abdomen and continue from your navel to your pubic bone. This is completely normal and is called linea nigra. All of the skin conditions will clear as soon as your little one arrives. Although pregnancy hormones can be tough to deal with the good news is that they are temporary. It is nine months of discomfort followed by many days of holding your new baby in your arms.