Hormonal Imbalance During Pregnancy

 

Hormonal balance plays an important role during pregnancy which can cause fluid retention, bloating, blemishes and emotional outbursts and performs many other roles such as foetal development, passing of nutrients to the foetus. Pregnancy brings a lot of changes and a big change in women. Various hormones play important roles in pregnancy which can cause fluid retention, bloating, blemishes and emotional outbursts and play many other roles such as foetal development, passing of nutrients to the foetus. So overall it is a cocktail of chemicals that brings about various changes.

Major Hormones That Affect Fertility

While it is true that there are many different hormones flowing through our bodies, only a few come in handy when we are trying to conceive. Below, we've listed some of the major fertility hormones you'll want to be familiar with if you suspect a hormone imbalance is affecting your ability to get pregnant. The good news is that a hormone test will give you information about these important hormones.

1.  FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)

FSH is the most important hormone for fertility, with FSH or follicle-stimulating hormone responsible for maintaining cycle regularity and producing healthy eggs.

2.  LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

LH, or luteinizing hormone, may sound familiar; This is the hormone that is measured in an at-home ovulation predictor kit (OPK). LH is the hormone that tells your body to release an egg that is ready to be fertilized.

3.  Estrogen

It plays an important role and is the major hormone in pregnancy. It provides that ultimate pregnancy glow along with the development of the embryo and baby's organs, the development of the uterus.

4.  Progesterone

Its role is comparable to that of estrogen. It prepares the breasts of women for breastfeeding. It is also called the pregnancy hormone as it plays an important role in getting pregnant as well as in a healthy pregnancy.

Symptoms of a hormonal imbalance

If you’ve been trying to conceive for more than a few months and you’re otherwise healthy, it may be time to consider your hormone levels. Below is a list of symptoms that may indicate a hormonalimbalance in women:

Ø PMS

Ø Irregular menstrual cycle

Ø Infertility

Ø Early menopause

Ø Excessive or absent menstrual cycles

Ø Chocolate or Dairy Cravings

Ø Acne

Ø Hot flashes

How can you maintain hormonal balance during pregnancy

1.  Diet

Some foods maintain the balance while some can completely change the balance. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugar, fried and junk food, excessive dairy products during pregnancy as they can harm you and the foetus.

2.  Exercise

Regular and moderate exercise is a must during pregnancy. It reduces the risk of gestational diabetes, promotes healthy weight gain, improves general fitness of the body and mind.

3.  Fluid Intake

Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.

4.  Yoga and Meditation

Instead of worrying about the development of the child, indulge yourself in yoga and meditation. Sit in a quiet place, breathe, relax, clear your mind, spend time with nature, remove negativity and negative energies.

5.  Talk to Family and Friends

If you feel that you are worried, stressed, or over-thinking, talk to your loved ones, your partner, family, friends.

Vidhi Beri is a renowned Global Educator and Specialist in the fields of Holistic Health, Lactation, Maternal Health Wellness, Child Nutrition, and Children's Milestone Development with effective and well-structured maternity wellness programs offered to the new wave of freshly home-grown Indian mommies and babies, with her desi tadka of Ancient Indian sciences in her latest book, Decoding Motherhood. Visit Vidhi Beri’s official website to know more.