Ups, downs, twists, turns!  As women, our hormones can take us on a crazy roller coaster ride!  Especially during and post pregnancy!

I am a pretty emotional person as it is…add a couple of buns in my oven and this Momma was a bit of a hot mess! 😉

What happens to us during pregnancy?

HCG

Produced by what ultimately becomes the placenta, this pregnancy hormone is the first on the scene.  This hormone signals to a women’s body that it is time to prepare a little home for your nugget to grow.  HCG tells the ovaries to discontinue maturing an egg every month.

The unholy side to HCG – morning sickness! It is not known for sure, but docs suspect that rising levels of this hormone are linked to nausea and vomiting 🙁  It’s all for a good cause!

Remedy – I found that ginger helped calm my tummy.  I also used compression bands on my wrists, which if nothing else, seemed to have a placebo effect!  Mind over matter 😉

Progesterone

This hormone is produced by a cyst on the ovary called the corpus luteum and later taken over by the placenta.  Progesterone helps the body’s immunity, helping it tolerate the fetus.

The unholy side to progesterone – dizziness and lightheadedness, the brutal gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, constipation…tis the season!

Remedy – be careful upon standing if you experience dizziness.  Try to eat smaller meals throughout the day rather than one larger one at night to help prevent heartburn.  Avoid spicy, fatty, salty and rich foods (which you should not be eating anyways ladies) to help prevent heartburn from flaring its flame.

Estrogen

This hormone can have both a positive and negative impact on your mood.  Estrogen has been known to make you feel a little extra frisky ;), stimulate the growth of your uterus and increase blood flow from the uterus to the placenta.

The unholy side to estrogen – Ups and downs in mood.

Remedy – Embrace this womanly hormone!  Love that full figure, larger cup size and friskiness! 😉

Relaxin

This hormone does just that…relaxes the ligaments, allowing an easier passage for birth.

The unholy side to relaxin – Relaxin not only affects the ligaments “down there,” it affects all ligaments so instability and “wobbly joints” can potentially cause issues.

Remedy – if you are cleared to exercise during pregnancy, make sure that are in stable positions while performing exercises, wearing proper supportive shoes and are not pushing yourself too hard.

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Part of being a woman.  HOLY hormones…enjoy the ride 😉

With love,

Kelly, S & O xo

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