Hi I’m 13 weeks in my pregnancy and had a really hard time going through the first few months with all the new hormones and symptoms and now that I’m finally felling a little better from them I’m starting to stress so much and feel so alone. I live with my husband and he’s been great about it but I just don’t know who to talk to who can fully understand me. My parents separated and all of my family and far and sometimes I just feel so lonely and doubtful and guilty and lost😔
WeMoms
2 Apr 2024
Pregnancy Hormones and Stress
Pregnancy Hormones and Stress
The Dynamic Duo: Progesterone and Estrogen 🌺
Let’s kick off this hormone rollercoaster ride with the stars of the show: Progesterone and Estrogen.
These are your body's headlining hormones during pregnancy and while they’re crucial for your baby’s development, they can sometimes make you feel like you're on an emotional merry-go-round.
These hormones prepare the uterine lining, help your placenta function, and even soften up your ligaments. Yes, they're the backstage managers making sure your baby’s big debut goes smoothly.
- Progesterone: This hormone thickens the uterine lining and nourishes the embryo. However, it can also slow down your digestion (hello, constipation!) and make you feel extra tired.
- Estrogen: Working hand in hand with progesterone, estrogen helps in the development of your baby and placenta. But beware, it can make you more sensitive and amplify your emotional responses.
- Balance: To manage the effects, consider dietary changes like adding more fiber and staying hydrated. Also, keep an open dialogue with your healthcare provider for tailored advice.
Benefits:
- Ensures healthy fetal development
- Supports placental function
- Preps your body for childbirth
Cortisol: The Stress Signal 🚨
Cortisol, commonly known as the "stress hormone," naturally increases during pregnancy.
Normally, this hormone helps regulate metabolism, reduce inflammation, and assist with memory formulation. But elevated levels can make you feel more anxious or stressed than usual.
Cortisol's role is crucial; it helps your baby develop, but its uptick needs to be managed for your well-being.
- Elevated Levels: While an increase in cortisol is expected during pregnancy, excessive stress can cause these levels to spike, affecting both you and your baby.
- Management: Simple stress management techniques like deep breathing, exercise, or even short power naps can help in cortisol regulation.
- Monitor: Consistently high levels of cortisol should be discussed with your healthcare provider, as it may be indicative of health concerns like preterm birth or developmental issues.
Benefits:
- Regulates metabolism
- Helps in fetal development
- Aids in memory formulation
Oxytocin: The Love Hormone 💖
Meet Oxytocin, the hormone of love, social bonding, and childbirth.
It's the hormone that strengthens the bond between you and your baby.
Released during labor and breastfeeding, oxytocin is all about connection and affection.
You can also boost oxytocin through positive social interactions, including with your partner.
- Release Triggers: Activities like cuddling, listening to calming music, or even petting your dog can trigger oxytocin release.
- Stress Reduction: Elevated levels of oxytocin can help counterbalance cortisol, making you feel more relaxed and less stressed.
- Bonding: Not just between you and your baby, oxytocin also fosters stronger bonds with those around you, making it an emotional elixir.
Benefits:
- Promotes emotional bonding
- Encourages social interactions
- Helps with stress reduction
Prolactin: The Milk-Maker 🍼
Last but not least, let's chat about Prolactin, the hormone that readies your body for breastfeeding.
Even before your little one arrives, prolactin is hard at work.
While it primarily stimulates milk production, its increase can also affect your stress levels, often making you more alert or anxious.
- Production: Prolactin levels surge during pregnancy to prepare your mammary glands for lactation.
- Stress Connection: Elevated prolactin may make you more emotionally responsive and can sometimes contribute to feelings of anxiety or stress.
- Management: If you find your stress levels are high, discuss with your healthcare provider. They might recommend relaxation techniques or even nutritional adjustments to help balance out your hormone levels.
Benefits:
- Prepares body for breastfeeding
- Supports lactation
- Enhances nutrient supply to the fetus
Embrace the hormone hustle; it's all part of this incredible journey you're on! With the right know-how, you can manage the ebb and flow of these biochemical messengers like a pro. You’ve got this, mama! 🌟
Dig deeper
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Serena
17 Mar 2023
These pregnancy hormones making me soft af someone yells at me and I’m crying like a lil baby 😂😭
🍹Jenni
That’s ok girl!! We won’t be pregnant forever!! I won’t even tell you the small things that have set me off!! 😂
27 Mar 2024
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Serena
Ik ik 😭 I never cry in front of people either and lately I just bust out in tears I’m like wtf is wrong with me this is not like me 😂😂
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Shiann
27 Oct 2022
Ugh I hate these pregnancy hormones. One person said something to me at work today, and my whole mood has been pissed and thrown off since 😒 I don’t like it.
Dinyata
I've been there. Go to a quiet place and take a few moments to breathe and let out any emotions that are pent up. Then distract yourself with positive things and thoughts literally smile even if you have to force it. ❤️
27 Mar 2024
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Shiann
Thank you. I took your advice and I feel a lot better 💛
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Heaven
26 Oct 2022
So this is my first pregnancy, I did the genetics gender testing today and they call me with the results a couple weeks from now. Has anyone felt like they are going crazy? Not only stress cuz I'm never home and I'm always busy taking care of responsibilities. But you just forget everything, drop EVERYTHING, and can't stay focused? Has anyone else felt the hormones just radiating from head to toe and you was already mad but feeling the hormones radiating just mad you even more mad? ughhhh
Dandrea
Yes ! I did mines last Tuesday and I’ve been checking my email 10 times a day trying to see about my results
27 Mar 2024
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Nikko
You should try the old wives tails
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Mariann
17 Sep 2022
Pregnancy hormones are on high alert today. Hubby gave me side eye and I started crying. Lol. What a hot mess #hormonesontherise #14weekstomorrow
Ellie
Lol just wait till third trimester then you start fights for even more stupid things 🤣
27 Mar 2024
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Mariann
oh boy! Lol
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Kelsey
1 Sep 2022
Y’all … pregnancy hormones are hard. I’ve woke up the past 2 days hating the world and throwing stuff and cussing like a sailor. And idk why. Then I just sit and cry for like 2 hours and that just makes me more upset cuz I can’t get anything done. I just need a big hug or something. #hormones #depression #toomanythoughts
hayley
i feel that! i have days like that too, it can be so overwhelming sometimes. i hope you get to feeling better!
27 Mar 2024
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🌜✨Yaya✨🎄
Big hug to you. You are definitely not alone
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Sabrina
3 Aug 2022
Anyone pregnant and with the bd but still feel alone 😢 swear I'm more stress out about feeling alone with birth I don't know if cause my hormones are fcked but this whole pregnancy I feel alone like he there but not really if that make sense
Elizabeth
I felt like that when I was pregnant that I was alone and stressed but ur not once the baby come it's very different. Some guys feels differently when the women is pregnant but when the baby comes it's like pure joy in their eyes. My boyfriend was like that and soon he came out he fell in love. Don't stress girly everything will be fine
27 Mar 2024
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Sabrina
I try not to stress but I just feel like he is who he is and no baby will change that like he made me mad today like ok u going to give birth Thursday so u can start applying for jobs now like what ok u were a ass my whole pregnancy let me find out I'm bout to leave my new born with u soon as I leave the hospital tf
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Ashley
21 Jun 2022
Damn these pregnancy hormones are getting to me at work having a mini breakdown because I have rude coworkers, and I'm too nice and passive and everyone just walks on me. Like to the point I'm ready to walk and find another job done with the stress 😩 😪
Megan
Set those boundaries hunny! But also start looking elsewhere!
27 Mar 2024
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Ashley
I am nice and respectful to everyone I do my job well but there are some people who just do what they want and treat people however and there are no consequences all cause they've been here for 20 years they get to do what they want im tired of it I don't do well with confrontation even if it's not in an aggressive way I just never speak up for myself
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Shanita
19 May 2022
These pregnancy hormones are NOTHING to play with. One moment i’m laughing and in the next breath i’m crying. I don’t understand it.
TaNieshia
The pregnancy hormones are something else. I was like that ás Well. I had to take deep breaths and then walk . Sometimes I Didn’t éven know why I was Crying ! It is hard to understand why. You got this momma.
27 Mar 2024
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Valencia
9 Nov 2021
I have a question I been going thru hormones and always stressed how do I stay stress free to keep a healthy pregnancy
Valencia
But how do I kno that my baby is ok after all the stress and arguing
27 Mar 2024
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sanja
i invested in a doppler at home. It calms me when i csn hear babys heart especially early in pregnancy when i dont feel the kicks. But it can be stressfull to other people god forbid something happens
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