Types of Pregnancy Hormones and Their Functions

Pregnancy hormones can bring changes to the body, organ function, and emotions of pregnant women. Although there are some who feel uncomfortable, these changes are important to maintain the health of you and your fetus.

There are new pregnancy hormones that arise during pregnancy, some are already present before pregnancy, although with different levels. Pregnancy hormones are divided into several types, namely the hormones hCG, hPL, estrogen, progesterone, oxytocin, and prolactin.

Types of Pregnancy Hormones

Here are some types of pregnancy hormones and hormones that change during pregnancy and its functions:

1. Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG)

The human chorionic gonadotropin hormone is a pregnancy hormone produced in the placenta. This hormone is often used as a positive reference for pregnancy in the test pack sold on the market. The hormone hCG functions to maintain pregnancy and fetal development.

Low hCG levels are normal in a young pregnancy. However, this can also be a sign of ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and infant death. Meanwhile, very high levels of hCG can be a sign of twin pregnancy, Down syndrome, or wine pregnancy.

2. Human placental lactogen (hPL)

The human placental lactogen is produced by the placenta since pregnancy at the age of 2 weeks. This hormone, also known as human chorionic somatomammotropin, plays a role in preparing the nutrients needed by the fetus and stimulating the mammary glands in the breast until breastfeeding.

3. Estrogen

Estrogen is already present in a woman's body before becoming pregnant. But the levels will increase significantly since pregnancy. This increase in hormone levels triggers nausea, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. In the second trimester, this hormone contributes to the enlargement of milk ducts in the breast.

The functions and effects of the hormone estrogen during pregnancy include:

• Form new blood vessels to deliver nutrients to the fetus.
• Helps in providing the nutrients the fetus needs to develop.
• Supports fetal development.
• Increase blood flow in the body, including blood flow to the skin, giving rise to the impression of glowing in some pregnant women.

4. Progesterone

The hormone progesterone also exists from before pregnancy, but the levels will increase when you become pregnant. Increased levels of this hormone during pregnancy triggers the appearance of fine hairs on the breast or abdomen, dizziness, heartburn, nausea, to constipation.

Although it can have unpleasant effects, progesterone plays a role in:

• Keep the uterine muscles relaxed during pregnancy.
• Maintain the thickness of the uterine wall as the fetus develops.
• Maintain the immune system against the presence of the fetus in the body.
• Preparing breasts for producing milk.

5. Oxytocin

The hormone oxytocin plays an important role in the birthing process. This hormone flexes the cervix at the end of pregnancy so that the baby is easier to get out. At the same time, this hormone will also stimulate the nipples to produce milk and stimulate the Montgomery glands around the nipples and areola, so that after birth the baby can immediately suckle.

6. Prolactin

The prolactin hormone will increase 10-20 times when you are pregnant. This increased hormone is useful in preparing breast tissue for breastfeeding by helping to produce abundant milk production.

The pregnancy hormone has an important function for the health of the mother and fetus. However, the presence of these hormones is not uncommon to cause discomfort for pregnant women. If the discomfort you feel is very disturbing, consult your doctor so that complaints can be resolved.

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