Pregnancy Hormones: What do they do?

Human chorionic gonadotropin or HCG is a hormone released by the embryo soon after conception. The production of HCG is continued through a part of the placenta. The function of this peptide hormone is to preserve an integral part of the ovary as well as maintain progesterone production that is so important in the development of a healthy baby.

Progesterone lines the uterus with life sustaining blood vessels and capillaries to cushion and protect the growing fetus. HCG also protects the baby from the mother’s immune system, letting the body know through chemical messengers that the baby is an acceptable, developing part of the mother’s body.

Levels of HCG are higher in woman pregnant with multiple babies. An over the counter pregnancy test will be positive if HCG is present in the blood stream. HCG levels are highest during the twelfth week of pregnancy and generally taper off during the sixteenth week of pregnancy when the 1st trimester ends and the 2nd trimester begin. Pregnant woman generally report feeling better or “over” the morning sickness after the sixteenth week of pregnancy.

Estrogen is a hormone that is released from the female reproductive system and the placenta. Estrogen is considered the “female hormone” and is used to regulate the female reproductive system. During pregnancy, the primary purpose of the hormone is to regulate progesterone, protecting the baby throughout the pregnancy. This hormone is also critical to the development of many major organs and functions of the baby’s body. Estrogen levels are extra high during pregnancy adding to the major chemical changes going on within a pregnant woman’s body.

Another hormone called human placental lactogen, or HTL, is produced by the placenta and becomes a part of the pregnancy hormone system. HTL sustains the mother’s organ systems while diverting enough energy to enable the fetus to grow properly. It also activates the milk glands in the breasts to prepare for the possibility of breastfeeding.

Theory of Morning Sickness

It is theorized among the medical community that a combination of hormones and low blood sugar sustained from not eating during the night is the possible cause of morning sickness. Morning sickness is a condition that affects at least fifty percent of all pregnant women. The organ systems of the fetus are laid out during the first three months of development. Medical expert references find it interesting that at this critical time, the condition of morning sickness develops. Although morning sickness is far from being a pleasant experience, there is a medical theory that maintains that morning sickness could be a sign of a healthy, developing baby.

Morning Sickness: Sign of a Healthy Baby?

As the organ systems of the baby are laid out, the baby has only a very small need for nutrients and is more susceptible to chemicals and other harmful agents that could cause birth defects. The medical theory proposes that within certain foods, even vegetables, are toxins that could cause birth defects and other harmful conditions. The theory suggests that morning sickness actually helps a pregnant woman’s body ingest only the healthiest nutrients that are critical to the baby’s development at this time. Some official medical studies have shown that women with morning sickness have less chance of experiencing a miscarriage and less chance of the baby having a birth-defect. However, some experts do not believe in a link between morning sickness and a healthy baby. Certainly, a mother not experiencing morning sickness need not worry, as morning sickness is not the only indicator of a healthy baby.

Take some comfort! Spending all morning in the bathroom throwing up may be a very positive sign. Hormones at work in your body are creating, sustaining and developing something wonderful that in nine months will be a precious joy to hold in your arms.

More resouces on morning sickness at Child’n Parent and Wikipedia .

Though there are some medications your doctor can prescribe for morning sickness, most recommend using natural remedies because your baby is very vulnerable during the first trimester.

Natural Home Remedies

Though few people gain complete relief from morning sickness, there are many natural home remedies available. Hopefully, you will find the one that works for you. I prefer the eating small snacks all day method. An empty stomach can cause nausea and eating too much at a time can cause vomiting.

Studies show that bland foods, like crackers, can calm an upset stomach. You should avoid fatty foods that sit in the stomach for a while and go for easy to digest foods like simple proteins and carbohydrates. Chewing peppermint gum always works for me at times when I can’t be constantly snacking. Watermelon and lemonade are said to make things better. My cousin said those were the only two foods she always kept down during pregnancy. On the other hand, milk, coffee, caffeinated tea, and citrus juices are said to make things worse.

The American Pregnancy Association suggests ginger which can be found in ginger ale, grated into hot water to make a tea, or in ginger candies. It also suggests vitamins B6 and B12, and lots of rest. My friend Liz wore an acupressure wrist band during her first trimester. You can perform self-acupressure by putting pressure at the P6 point found on the inner side of the arm, in line with the middle finger, 1/6 of the way between the wrist and the elbow.

Take comfort in the fact that morning sickness will eventually go away on its own. Contact your doctor if you experience excessive vomiting that leads to weight loss, if the vomiting is accompanied by pain or fever, or if you vomit blood.

If these suggestions don’t work, ask your friends and family for remedies that worked for them.

More nutritional suggestions for coping with morning sickness
http://www.midwiferytoday.com/enews/enews0612.asp?a=1&r=1&e=1&q=nutrition#art

Experts also agree that an empty stomach can trigger the nauseated feeling associated with morning sickness throughout the course of the day. Eating six small meals throughout the day and drinking fluids one half hour before or after a meal has been found to be helpful in keeping morning sickness under control. For many women, the nauseated feeling associated with morning sickness is often triggered by certain smells. If cooking smells are a bother, ask someone else to cook and be sure to open all of the windows. Sometimes keeping sliced lemons or oranges on hand can help overcome the nauseated feeling with a good smell of one or the other.

Ultimately, making a plan and sticking to it is the best way to manage morning sickness and keep it under control. Mild exercise is a great way for any pregnant woman to help feel and stay looking her best. Plenty of rest can also be a combative resource against morning sickness. Situations that could aggravate morning sickness include lying down after meals, skipping meals, and eating hot and/or spicy food. Pregnant women need to watch what they eat and when and how they eat it.

Hyperemesis gravidarium (more serious morning sickness)

Morning sickness may need medical attention when it is severe, unmanageable and occurring throughout the day. This condition of constant, more serious, morning sickness is called “hyperemesis gravidarium.” It is generally recognized by severe nausea, constant vomiting, loss of weight and very often, an electrolyte disturbance. Recommended treatment usually includes dietary adjustments and restrictions, plenty of rest, and prescribed antacids. Some doctors may pre-scribe anti-nausea medication or B-vitamins, some of which have been effective in reducing the nausea. More severe cases will require a hospital stay so that the pregnant mom can receive intravenous fluids to help properly nourish the baby. Many hospitals now have equipment that will allow a hyperemesis gravidarium patient to have independent intravenous fluids through a special back pack that is light and compact enough for a pregnant woman to carry on her back. If you are pregnant and suspect you have this condition, it is important that you contact your doctor immediately.

Morning sickness will pass

Some Mom’s get very discouraged when afflicted with morning sickness for three or more months. At this time when the baby is developing some of it’s most important organs, it’s important for all pregnant women to take good care of themselves. The most important thing to remember is that morning sickness will pass and eventually you’ll be a beautiful, bulging beauty.

We have selected the following links for more information and tips on how to deal with morning sickness.

WebMed for information from a medical viewpoint.

Some good tips on how to manage morning sickness .