Hormones play a pivotal role in your pregnancy right from the first week up until the labor. The constant changes in your hormones cause nausea, vomiting and other common pregnancy symptoms. These hormones prepare you and your body for childbirth and later too. Birth hormones are chemical messengers that your body makes. Did you know, your baby makes these hormones too? The hormones then work together and are responsible for the changes in your body that keep you and your baby safe.
Hormones In Labor
Though we still don’t know the exact science behind how labor starts spontaneously, it is considered to be due to the matured stage of the baby, and the physical and emotional state of the mother. One hormone that is of major importance in childbirth is oxytocin. This hormone helps in the contractions of the uterus along with other multiple functions in childbirth.
When the woman goes into labor, the oxytocin levels are high and accelerate childbirth. But if she is moved, even from one room to another, it can reduce the oxytocin level and slow the process of labor. Moreover, any level of anxiety, tension or stress can disrupt the release of oxytocin.
Hormones And Labor Pain
Hormones have an effect on the pain experienced during labor. Beta-endorphin, an opiate or painkiller is produced naturally in the body and helps deal with pain. This hormone is similar to the synthetically produced drugs pethidine and morphine. Like oxytocin, beta-endorphin is present in high levels during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Released during labor, it acts as a painkiller and also suppresses the immune system. This is because the mother’s immune system may act against the baby who has a different genetic makeup from the mother. High levels of beta-endorphin can cause the oxytocin levels to drop and thereby slow down the contractions. This balance helps the labor to progress at a normal pace that is bearable.
Hormones During Childbirth
The subtle balance of the above-mentioned hormones changes again when the cervix attains complete dilation. It reaches a phase called ‘transition’ where the labor enters the second stage of childbirth. In the second stage, there is a rise of adrenaline in the woman’s body. Adrenaline gives her energy to push through labor. The to-be-mother may feel shivery, nauseous and will be exhausted both physically and mentally.
Once more, oxytocin triggers the fetal ejection reflex — the ultimate series of contractions that push the baby out. Though, noradrenaline, a catecholamine also helps in triggering this reflex.
At the same time, another hormone prolactin also called ‘the mothering hormone’ becomes important. Prolactin is present throughout pregnancy and helps in breast milk synthesis and breastfeeding. Its levels rise abundantly during labor, peak around birth and continue to remain high while breastfeeding. Beta-endorphin initiates the release of prolactin during labor preparing the mother’s breasts for lactation. It also aids in the final maturation of the baby’s lungs.
Meanwhile, the baby itself produces prolactin found in the amniotic sac, leading to the love between the mother and the baby.
Hormones Immediately After Birth
Although you have given birth to your baby, your hormones don’t rest yet. Oxytocin continues to keep the uterine contractions going post birth. The contractions push the placenta out of the uterus and close the blood vessels attached to it. Once the blood vessels are closed, the uterus shrinks back to its original size. Any complications would lead to heavy bleeding commonly referred to as postpartum hemorrhage. To overcome this condition, doctors inject the mother with synthetic oxytocin and initiate contractions, but many women prefer to wait for a natural delivery of the placenta.
Furthermore, the high levels of oxytocin in the mother and baby promote affection, attachment and ignite a desire in the mother to protect and guard her baby. It also promotes the let-down reflex which increases the production of breast milk.
Hormones can either make you feel like crap, or like a rockstar, ready to take on your mission. The key is getting your hormones working for you not against you. Have a safe and successful pregnancy filled with all the necessary hormones.
