Understanding Hormone Fluctuations Throughout Pregnancy And Postpartum

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Pregnancy and postpartum bring significant hormonal changes that affect everything from mood to metabolism. These shifts are essential for supporting fetal development, preparing the body for childbirth, and regulating postpartum recovery. However, they can also cause challenges, including mood swings, fatigue, and physical discomfort.

For more information, see the infographic made by the International Surrogacy Center.

Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy

Estrogen and progesterone levels rise rapidly during pregnancy, playing key roles in maintaining the uterine lining and supporting fetal growth. Higher estrogen levels enhance blood flow, affecting skin, hair, and even nasal passages. Meanwhile, progesterone helps relax muscles and ligaments in preparation for birth. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) surges early on, often triggering nausea while oxytocin increases, promoting bonding with the baby.

By the third trimester, relaxin levels peak, loosening joints to facilitate delivery. However, this can lead to back pain or instability. The body also produces more prolactin, preparing the breasts for milk production. These fluctuations are crucial but can contribute to symptoms such as swelling, heartburn, and emotional highs and lows.

Postpartum Hormonal Shifts

After birth, estrogen and progesterone levels drop abruptly, often leading to the “baby blues” or, in some cases, postpartum depression. Oxytocin remains elevated to support bonding and breastfeeding, while prolactin encourages milk supply. Cortisol, the stress hormone, may stay high due to sleep deprivation and recovery demands.

For those experiencing pregnancy through the surrogacy process, these hormonal shifts may be different, especially when it comes to postpartum recovery. Intended parents may focus on bonding without undergoing the intense physical and hormonal transitions that birthing individuals experience.

Hormonal fluctuations are a natural part of pregnancy and postpartum, but understanding these changes can help individuals prepare for the physical and emotional shifts that come with this transformative experience. For more information, check out the infographic below.