Early Pregnancy Hormone: Estrogen

Posted on: April 19, 2021 | Body, education, Information, Pregnancy, Prenatal

Introducing the next early pregnancy hormone, estrogen. Estrogen is known as being a female sex and reproductive hormone. HCG, progesterone, relaxin, estrogen, and prolactin work together in pregnancy to produce, grow, and maintain a healthy pregnancy.  

What is Estrogen?

Estrogen is the hormone that helps develop the reproductive system and the female body during puberty. Changes include: breasts, pubic hair growth, and menstruation. Estrogen is important in aiding the body for bearing children. The ovaries generate the main source of estrogen.

What It Does During Pregnancy

This hormone drives sexual desires (along with progesterone), and is a key component to fetal development. Estrogen levels increase during pregnancy, which is when these levels are at their peak. In the third trimester, estrogen plays a pivotal role by developing milk ducts. Which is what causes the enlargement of the breasts. Estrogen helps the uterus grow, maintains the lining, and regulates baby’s organ development.

Discomforts It May Cause

Discomforts that estrogen may cause are most recognized in the first trimester and surface as nausea and morning sickness. This is due to the increase of the hormone during this stage. This hormone also causes swollen membranes and extra blood flow through the body. This is how some individuals have acne breakouts during gestation. Also causing sore tender breasts.

Estrogen is part of the key hormone is pregnancy and should any concerns arise with hormone levels, please consult your medical provider.