Pregnancy brings many changes, with hormones playing a central role in supporting the baby’s growth and development. Key hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone, increase significantly, helping the body adapt. These changes are natural, but they can sometimes cause fatigue, mood swings, physical discomfort, or loosened ligaments and joints.
For some, hormonal shifts may contribute to complications such as gestational diabetes, premature birth, or low birth weight. Factors like stress, lifestyle changes, obesity, allergies, and certain medications can further affect hormonal balance. Understanding these changes and learning how to manage them can make pregnancy smoother and safer for both mother and baby.
What Is the Role of Hormones During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, hormone levels in the body change significantly to support the baby’s growth and development. Several key hormones play major roles:
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG):
This hormone is produced by the placenta and is present only during pregnancy. Levels of hCG rise rapidly in the first trimester and can be detected in the mother’s blood and urine. hCG is believed to play a role in the nausea and vomiting often experienced during early pregnancy.
Human Placental Lactogen (hPL):
Also called human chorionic somatomammotropin, this hormone is produced by the placenta. It provides essential nutrients to the fetus and stimulates the development of milk glands in the breasts, preparing the body for breastfeeding.
Oestrogen:
Oestrogen helps develop and maintain female sexual characteristics. During pregnancy, it is produced by the ovaries and the placenta. Oestrogen supports uterine growth, increases blood flow, and helps maintain a healthy pregnancy.
Progesterone:
Produced by both the ovaries and the placenta, progesterone helps thicken the uterine lining to allow the implantation of a fertilised egg. It also maintains the uterine environment throughout pregnancy, preventing contractions that could lead to premature labour.
Together, these hormones orchestrate the complex changes in a woman’s body, supporting fetal growth, preparing for childbirth, and ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
READ: Low Estrogen Levels: Causes, Symptoms, and Natural Ways to Boost Them
How to Manage Hormonal Imbalance in Pregnancy
Learning how to control pregnancy hormones naturally can help reduce discomfort, improve mood, and support a healthier pregnancy.
Focus on Nutritious Foods:
A balanced diet is essential for maintaining health and energy throughout pregnancy. Fibre-rich foods, pulses (daals), and omega-3-rich options such as flaxseeds, sweet potatoes, avocados, broccoli, and leafy green vegetables nourish both mother and baby. Whole grains and seasonal fruits further aid digestion, boost energy, and provide vital nutrients.
Guidance from a doctor or nutritionist can help ensure sufficient intake of key vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, magnesium, and folate, all of which are important for stabilising hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Eat Protein at Every Meal:
Protein supports the baby’s growth and helps regulate hormonal activity. Its building blocks, amino acids, are vital for tissue development and the production of peptide hormones. These hormones control critical processes such as growth, metabolism, appetite, and stress, making protein intake essential for hormonal balance.
Stay Hydrated:
Adequate hydration is closely linked to hormonal health. Drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water daily, along with fluids such as soups, coconut water, or doctor-recommended juices, supports digestion, prevents constipation, aids detoxification, and helps regulate energy levels, all of which support hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Lower Sugar Intake:
Minimising added sugar intake can improve hormonal function and help prevent obesity, diabetes, and other illnesses. While fresh fruits are a great source of nutrients, it’s best to avoid added sugar in juices. Pregnant women should also completely avoid packaged drinks and soft drinks. Reducing sugary beverages and processed sugars supports better hormonal health.
Get Quality Sleep:
Sufficient sleep is essential for regulating hormones such as insulin, cortisol, leptin, and ghrelin. Poor sleep may lower hormone levels, increase stress hormones, and affect metabolism. Deep, restorative rest allows the body to adapt to the demands of pregnancy and helps maintain hormonal equilibrium.
Engage in Regular Exercise:
Gentle physical activity plays a vital role in supporting hormonal health. Movements such as walking, light yoga, pelvic floor exercises, or meditation promote relaxation and enhance circulation. Regular exercise also improves hormone receptor sensitivity, reduces back pain, lowers the risk of preeclampsia and premature birth, and strengthens the heart and blood vessels.
Balancing activity with short periods of rest allows the body to recharge and adjust to ongoing hormonal changes.
READ: Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms (PMS)
Reduce Stress:
Chronic stress disrupts the body’s natural feedback mechanisms, leading to imbalances in cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Calming practices such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or mindfulness help restore balance to the endocrine system, reducing strain on both mother and baby. Effective stress management not only supports hormonal health but also helps stabilise mood fluctuations during pregnancy.
Build a Support System:
Support from loved ones can positively affect emotional and hormonal well-being. Surrounding oneself with people who offer care, encouragement, and positivity creates a sense of safety and reduces stress levels. Shared laughter, conversations, and quality time with family or friends provide comfort and stability during pregnancy.
Choose Positive Content:
The type of content consumed can affect emotions and indirectly influence hormonal balance. Light-hearted films, uplifting books, or inspiring stories foster a calm and joyful mindset while reducing stress. Listening to classical music or soothing chants may also encourage relaxation and support fetal brain development.
A nutritious diet, proper rest, and healthy lifestyle changes are key ways to manage hormonal imbalance during pregnancy.
Regular pregnancy checkups and tests are also essential for monitoring hormonal levels, detecting potential complications, and ensuring the health of both mother and baby throughout gestation.
Conclusion
Hormonal changes are very common and affect the majority of pregnant women. It is important for pregnant women to pay attention to their nutrition, fitness, and overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Mood swings and irritation are among the most common signs of hormonal imbalance during pregnancy.
Eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, practising meditation, and getting adequate sleep can all help improve hormonal health and support a safe and healthy normal delivery.
To learn more about hormonal imbalances and mood changes during pregnancy, contact the experts at Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital. They are dedicated to providing guidance and comprehensive care to support a healthy pregnancy and overall well-being. Book your appointment today.
