THE ROLE OF HORMONES AND HORMONAL BALANCE IN PREGNANCY

What You Need to Know for a Healthy Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a special period in which a woman's body experiences many hormonal changes. These hormonal changes are of great importance for the health of both the mother and the baby. Ensuring hormonal balance is a critical factor for the healthy progression of pregnancy. In this article, we will examine in detail the main hormones that are effective during pregnancy and ways to maintain hormonal balance.

HCG Hormone (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

HCG is a hormone produced by the placenta when pregnancy begins. This hormone, measured when a pregnancy test is positive, is a basic indicator that confirms the presence of pregnancy. HCG supports the production of progesterone and estrogen, helping the pregnancy to continue healthily. During pregnancy, HCG levels usually increase rapidly in the first trimester. This increase is necessary to prepare the body for pregnancy and to ensure that the lining of the uterus accepts the fertilized egg. In addition, high HCG levels can cause some symptoms to appear during pregnancy and indicate that the pregnancy is progressing healthily.

Progesterone Hormone

Progesterone is a hormone that helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy and maintain it. Progesterone levels increase during pregnancy, which prevents uterine contractions and promotes healthy embryo development. Progesterone thickens the lining of the uterus and promotes implantation of the embryo. It also suppresses the immune system, helping the mother’s body adapt to the embryo. Insufficient progesterone levels can increase the risk of miscarriage and lead to complications in early pregnancy. Increased progesterone can also increase symptoms such as nausea and fatigue in some women.

Estrogen Hormone

Estrogen plays an important role in pregnancy and increases the growth and blood flow of the uterus. It also provides nutrients needed for the development of the baby. Estrogen levels increase as pregnancy progresses, and an increase in this hormone can cause many changes in the mother's body. Estrogen triggers many physiological changes in the mother's body. These include breast growth, skin changes, and an increase in metabolic rate. In addition, increased estrogen can increase the severity of some discomforts of pregnancy, such as nausea and fatigue. Estrogen helps the uterus contract and the birth canal dilate during labor.

Relaxin Hormone

Relaxin is another important hormone secreted during pregnancy. This hormone allows the uterus to expand and the pelvic muscles to relax. Relaxin facilitates the passage of the baby through the birth canal during birth. Relaxin, which increases especially in the late stages of pregnancy, helps the pelvic muscles and connective tissues to relax, which makes the birth process easier. Relaxin can also affect the body's ability to retain water during pregnancy, which can cause edema in some women. Increased levels of relaxin can lead to back pain and joint laxity in some women.

WAYS TO MAINTAIN HORMONAL BALANCE

Maintaining hormonal balance during pregnancy is extremely important for a healthy pregnancy.
Here are some ways to support hormonal balance:

Balanced diet

A balanced diet is very important to support hormonal balance. Foods rich in folic acid, iron and calcium should be preferred. Folic acid helps the development of the baby's brain and spinal cord, while iron and calcium are necessary for bone health. Green leafy vegetables, whole grains, dairy products and meats provide the necessary nutrients during pregnancy. In addition, fish and nuts rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help support hormonal balance. Adequate fluid intake is also important during pregnancy; water consumption and healthy drinks maintain the body's water balance. Vitamin and mineral supplements, especially those containing iron and folic acid, are important during pregnancy.

Avoiding Stress

Stress can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to various health problems during pregnancy. Relaxing activities and adequate sleep can help maintain hormonal balance. Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises are effective methods to reduce stress and support your hormonal balance. Social support and hobbies can also help you cope with stress. Support groups and psychological counseling can also be considered to cope with stress. Remember that stress, especially during pregnancy, can have negative effects on both the mother and the baby.

Regular Exercise

Light and regular exercise supports hormonal balance and reduces pregnancy-related symptoms.
can alleviate. Exercise can also improve the general health of the expectant mother and help prepare for the birth process. Low-intensity exercises such as walking, swimming and light aerobic movements can be safe and effective during pregnancy. It is important to talk to your doctor before exercising. It is also important to wear appropriate clothing and drink enough water during exercise. Relaxing and low-risk activities should be preferred when exercising. It is useful to adjust your exercise routine according to your doctor's recommendations.

Adequate Sleep

Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining hormonal balance. Paying attention to sleep patterns during pregnancy is beneficial for both mother and baby’s health. Lack of sleep can affect hormone levels and have negative effects on overall health. Getting enough and quality sleep helps strengthen the immune system and maintain hormonal balance. Organizing your sleep habits and doing relaxing activities before going to bed can improve sleep quality during pregnancy.
Doctor Check-ups

Regular doctor check-ups during pregnancy are important for monitoring hormonal balance and maintaining health. Your doctor can monitor your hormone levels and take necessary action in case of any imbalance. In addition, sharing your questions and concerns about pregnancy with your doctor supports your healthy pregnancy process. Tests and examinations performed during doctor check-ups allow for close monitoring of both your health and the health of your baby.

Extra Tips to Support Hormonal Balance During Pregnancy

Maintaining hormonal balance is not only about diet, stress management, and exercise, but also overall lifestyle choices. Adopting healthy habits has a positive impact on the overall health of both mother and baby. Adopting healthy habits, especially during pregnancy, supports the health of both mother and baby. Adopting a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy can help maintain hormonal balance and ensure a smooth pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a unique process that every woman can experience. It is important to remember that hormonal changes are normal and that the body is reshaping itself during this period. Following your doctor's recommendations and adopting healthy lifestyle habits to have a healthy pregnancy supports the health of both you and your baby.