In the first trimester of your pregnancy, you will have to cope with your hormones right away. You were nauseous and might have suffered from mood swings. In the second trimester, many women feel a lot better: your body is becoming used to being pregnant. But then comes the third trimester and the hormones start working again. With the goal of childbirth! We will gladly inform you about the state of your hormones in the third trimester of your pregnancy.
Estrogen in the third trimester
Estrogen is perhaps one of the best-known pregnancy hormones. It plays an important role especially in the first trimester, but even in the third trimester, your body still produce enough estrogen. During this period, it ensures, among other things:
- The growth of your uterus, so that your baby has all the space it needs
- Storing fat and fluid to build up a reserve for your baby
- The development of mammary glands and ducts in your breasts to prepare your body for breastfeeding
- Development of certain of your baby’s organs
- Smoothing your entire body in preparation for childbirth
- Make your body more sensitive to other hormones that ensure that childbirth goes smoothly.
As you can see, estrogen is an important hormone during your pregnancy. But in turn, it also causes a number of pregnancy ailments. Mood swings, extra pigment, a excessive hair growth, varicose veins, nausea, cravings and a lower libido can all be caused by this hormone.
Progesterone in the third trimester
Another important hormone during your pregnancy: progesterone. In the early stages of a pregnancy, it ensures that the embryo can develop safely and that the pregnancy is maintained. This is also the role of progesterone in the third trimester. For example, if the level of oxytocins rises, progesterone inhibits this hormone as long as it is still too early to give birth. When it’s time to give birth, progesterone levels drop.
Of course, this hormone can also cause minor ailments, such as:
- Low blood pressure and dizziness
- Fatigue
- Varicose veins
- BRASH
- Pregnancy dementia
- Vivid and intense dreams
- Need to urinate more often
Oxytocin and childbirth
Oxytocin is perhaps better known as the “cuddle hormone”. However, it is more than a hormone that is released after a big hug; it is very important during childbirth and breastfeeding. Did you know that the name comes from the Greek word “okytokos”, which means “quick birth”? Not surprisingly, oxytocin is the hormone that causes contractions. It stimulates the muscle tissue of your uterus to contract regularly. With each contraction, more oxytocin is excreted, making the contractions more intense.
Relaxin and childbirth
In your third trimester, another hormone will play an important role; relaxin. This hormone causes your joints to soften a bit. Relaxin relaxes the supporting ligaments of your joints. As a result, your delivery will be a lot smoother! Because your pelvis is a lot more mobile, your baby can get through it better during childbirth. However, this can cause back problems and pelvic instability.
Your hormones under control in the third trimester
During your pregnancy, your hormones go through the roof. All those complaints that come with it can be very annoying and may also differ from one pregnancy to the next. Remember, they’re there to keep everything running smoothly and your baby growing well. Did you know that you can chat about your ailments in a forum on our app? You’re not alone! Download the app and join the conversation.
