Oh, these hormones: studies during pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy How hormonal levels change during pregnancy

Hormones are amazing biologically active substances that affect not only health, but also the inner world of a person. Nature provides that in the female body, immediately after conception, special pregnancy hormones are activated, which not only help the baby to fully develop, but also set the expectant mother up for the desired motherhood, teach her to love the baby growing inside and get used to taking care of him.

Why is it necessary to monitor hormone levels?

While waiting for a baby, serious changes occur throughout a woman’s body, especially with regard to her hormonal levels. Changes occur throughout the endocrine system. The body of the expectant mother, completely rebuilding, creates conditions for bearing and normal development of the baby and, from the first days of pregnancy, begins to prepare for childbirth.
All hormonal indicators of the expectant mother’s body play a huge role - namely, they are the most important indicators of fetal development. Therefore, hormone levels are necessarily monitored by the attending physician with the help of special examinations - prenatal screenings, which a woman must undergo at least 2 times during pregnancy: in the first trimester (11-12 weeks) and in the second trimester (16-19 weeks). Let's figure out what indicators are included in this mandatory examination, what an increase or decrease in the level of a particular hormone indicates, and what their role is.

Hormones that the body of the unborn baby “produces”

hCG. This is human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone that is actively produced by the cells of the chorion (fetal membrane) immediately after it attaches to the wall of the uterus. The “production” of this hormone is vital for maintaining and maintaining pregnancy. It is hCG that controls the production of the main pregnancy hormones – estrogen and progesterone. If there is a serious deficiency of hCG, the fertilized egg detaches from the uterus, and menstruation occurs again—in other words, a spontaneous miscarriage occurs. Normally, the concentration of hCG in the blood of the expectant mother is constantly growing, reaching a maximum at 10-11 weeks of pregnancy, then the concentration of hCG gradually decreases to remain unchanged until birth.
The hCG test during pregnancy plays a huge role.

Firstly, an analysis of the level of hCG in the blood can confirm that you will become a mother already 5-6 days after conception. This is much earlier and, most importantly, much more reliable than using conventional rapid tests. Secondly, the test is necessary to determine the exact duration of pregnancy. Very often, the expectant mother cannot name the exact date of conception or gives it, but incorrectly. At the same time, each period corresponds to certain indicators of growth and development; deviations from the norm may indicate the occurrence of complications. Thirdly, the level of hCG in the blood can quite fully “tell” about whether your baby is developing correctly.

An unscheduled increase in hCG levels usually occurs during multiple pregnancy, preeclampsia, taking synthetic gestagens, diabetes mellitus in the expectant mother, and may also indicate some hereditary diseases in the baby (for example, Down syndrome) and multiple developmental defects. An abnormally low level of hCG can be a sign of an ectopic and non-developing pregnancy, delays in fetal development, the threat of spontaneous abortion, and chronic placental insufficiency.

However, do not rush to sound the alarm: increased or decreased values ​​may also indicate that the gestational age was initially set incorrectly. Your doctor will help you interpret test results correctly.

Placental lactogen and free estriol. Monitoring the level of these hormones is extremely important for assessing the risk of developing hereditary chromosomal abnormalities in the unborn baby (these are Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Turner syndrome, Patau syndrome, neural tube defect, etc.)

Free estriol"produced" by the placenta. This hormone improves blood flow through the vessels of the uterus, and also promotes the development of the mammary gland ducts, preparing the expectant mother’s body for feeding the baby. The level of free estriol changes in any pathological conditions:

With fetoplacental insufficiency, when the normal blood flow and nutrition in the placenta changes;
with delayed fetal development;
if you suspect a post-term pregnancy.

Placental lactogen (PL) is also “produced” by the placenta, and can be detected in the blood of the expectant mother as early as 5-6 weeks of pregnancy. It reaches its maximum value by 37-38 weeks, then the hormone level gradually decreases. However, the level of PL must be monitored throughout pregnancy - first of all, this is necessary to assess the condition of the placenta and timely diagnosis of placental insufficiency. A sharp decrease in the level of PL by more than 2 times (compared to the average level in accordance with the stage of pregnancy) may indicate a delay in fetal development. In this case, it is necessary to take emergency measures to prevent a decrease in the level of PL by 80 percent or more - this can lead to the death of the baby.

Pregnancy hormones

Estradiol and progesterone Hormonal studies necessarily include tests for progesterone and estradiol levels. They are the ones who take care of your unborn baby, maintaining the normal course of pregnancy, which is why they are called the main hormones of gestation (pregnancy).
Estradiol produced by the ovaries, and during pregnancy also by the placenta. During pregnancy, the level of this hormone increases sharply, and it is not surprising - estradiol is “responsible” for the normal course of pregnancy. In the early stages, the functioning of the placenta is assessed by the concentration of this hormone. A decrease in estradiol levels indicates a serious threat of miscarriage.
By the way, it is under the influence of this hormone that a woman experiences a natural desire to “build a nest”, arrange everything and prepare for the birth of a baby. Before childbirth, the concentration of the hormone in the body of the expectant mother reaches its “peak”, which is also explained by natural reasons - estradiol, acting as a powerful natural pain reliever, helps make the process of giving birth to a baby less painful.

Progesterone- This is also the main “pregnancy hormone”, the main task of which is to maintain pregnancy and create the necessary conditions for the development of the fetus. Normal levels of progesterone are necessary for conception to occur. Together with estrogens, the hormone promotes the attachment of a fertilized egg to the endometrium and “carefully” reduces the increased tone of the uterus, preventing miscarriage. During pregnancy, progesterone stimulates the growth and maturation of the mammary glands, “preparing” the expectant mother’s body for breastfeeding, and psychologically, it calms her down and provides moral support. Unfortunately, this hormone also has “side” effects that are familiar to every pregnant woman - increased drowsiness, nausea, frequent urination, soreness and swelling of the breasts.

With a lack of progesterone, pregnancy can occur with serious complications. The hormone deficiency must be urgently replenished, otherwise the risk of undeveloped pregnancy and miscarriage increases.

IMPORTANT! An analysis of the level of estradiol and progesterone is carried out both during pregnancy and in preparation for the birth of a child, this is especially necessary in cases where the woman has already had a miscarriage.

Thyroid hormones

The normal functioning of the thyroid gland of the expectant mother plays an important role in the development of the baby. The corresponding hormones (TSH, T3 and T4) can also “tell” about the presence of hypo- or hyperfunction of the gland.

Hormones of motherhood

Hormones from the pituitary gland (an endocrine gland located in the hypothalamic region of the brain) also play an indispensable role while expecting a baby. During childbirth, the pituitary gland releases the hormone oxytocin into the blood, which stimulates uterine contractions. And after childbirth, active synthesis of the hormone prolactin begins, which is “responsible” for lactation. With a lack of prolactin, a woman simply would not be able to fully feed her baby with breast milk.
In addition, prolactin and oxytocin are also called “hormones of motherhood,” because thanks to them, the mother’s heart is filled with tenderness, she feels pleasure from feeding and communicating with the child, which binds her even more to the baby. These hormones, in fact, ensure the magical “transformation” of a woman into a mother - under their influence, priorities change dramatically, study, work, career and personal success fade into the background, and the main place in a woman’s heart is occupied by a small dear creature. It is believed that the more these same “motherhood hormones” a woman has, the stronger her desire to constantly be near the baby, feel his warmth, and take care of him. However, you should not expect that this “transformation” will happen as if by magic: normally, the level of hormones in a woman’s body changes gradually, so that her psyche has time to prepare for the changes taking place without stress.

The main thing during pregnancy is to make every effort to carry a strong and healthy baby.

Nona Hovsepyan, consultant doctor at the Independent Laboratory "INVITRO", gynecologist-endocrinologist

It has long been known that during the period of bearing a child, colossal changes occur in a woman’s body. Many changes are caused by hormonal changes, their number and level constantly fluctuate. It is important to monitor their indicators, changes in dynamics and constantly assess your health status.

The most important hormones that are of great importance for the expectant mother are estrogen and progesterone.

First of all, there is an increase in progesterone, it prepares the uterine cavity for subsequent pregnancy, and also helps to retain the embryo. It manifests its production in the body for the first time during pregnancy; three months after fertilization, the placenta is already producing it. The uterus grows, and progesterone helps its walls expand. But a strong increase in this hormone leads to possible enlargement of the veins, and also from a large amount of progesterone, pregnant women experience pain in the abdomen.

Woman's hormones during pregnancy
By nature, the female structure is laid down in such a way that during gestation, its main goal is to ensure the correct development of the child. One of the most important components of the body are special substances - hormones. The endocrine system is the elements that secrete hormones and send them into the blood.

Let's look at the types of different hormones and their location:
The pituitary gland is located in the brain, it controls the activity of other endocrine elements, influences the process and development of body growth. This hormone increases threefold during pregnancy, which reduces the maturation of eggs in the ovaries.
The thyroid gland is responsible for the speed of metabolism.
There is a subtype of hormone - the parathyroid glands, they regulate the exchange of calcium and phosphorus in the body.
The hormone melatonin is responsible for the biological clock, and it is located in the area of ​​​​nerve impulses from the brain to the eye.

Hormone levels during pregnancy

One of the amazing biological substances present in the human body is hormone. It is able to influence not only the state of health in general, but also the internal sensations of a person.
And it is inherent in nature, precisely in the female body, that initially there are many different hormones, some of which are in a dormant state until a certain period. With their help, the body, from the very days of gestation, prepares the mother to bear the baby, and accordingly, helps him grow throughout the entire period of his stay in the womb.

The amount of such hormones needs to be controlled during gestation, since first of all, they cause changes in the entire endocrine system.

All these indicators of the expectant mother play an important role; they show, indicating the development of the fetus.

Based on this, monitoring of changes in hormones is carried out by the observing doctor with the help of special examinations. Vital hormones are produced not only by the body of the expectant mother, but also from the first days of life, by the baby himself. The mother herself can influence their quantity and quality, since before birth there is an inextricable connection through the placenta between her and the fetus.

Progesterone hormones during pregnancy

Such an important substance as progesterone is regularly present in both the female and male body. Only its content in female blood is significantly higher than in male blood. It stimulates the compaction of the internal cavity of the uterus, based on this, the fertilized egg is tightly attached. Therefore, its insufficient amount in the body can contribute to miscarriage in the early months of pregnancy.
Progesterone provides a relaxing effect to muscles, fat accumulation to provide the future mother with nutrients for the embryo.

Sex hormones during pregnancy

Chronic human gonadotropin, a hormonal substance that is produced by the cells of the fetal membrane. Thus, this hormone controls the production of essential other substances by the pregnant woman. If there is a serious shortage of it, the fertilized egg leaves the uterus, and menstruation appears again. During the entire period of pregnancy, the hCG level is constantly growing and it is important to periodically analyze its level, it plays a huge role.

Next in importance comes Estradiol, it is produced by the ovaries, and during gestation, by the placenta. During this period, its data increases sharply, and the level of estradiol decreases, indicating a serious problem in the pregnant woman. And before childbirth, during the normal course of pregnancy, this element in the body reaches its peak.

Elevated hormones during pregnancy

Obviously, deviations from the normal level of various hormones indicate the presence of female diseases and abnormalities in the body. A deficiency or excess will have a negative impact on the development of the fetus.
All substances associated with the endocrine system are extremely important, especially for the body of the expectant mother. Thyroid-stimulating hormone is formed in brain cells and is controlled by it. And in the thyroid gland, thyroxine is produced, which is responsible for the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. During gestation, its number, as well as many others, will increase.

It is important for a woman to know that at the time of fertilization of the egg, the norm of Thyroid-stimulating hormone will be one unit, and in the future it may fluctuate slightly. As a rule, in the first months it shows minimal levels, but there are cases when this hormone does not increase at all. However, it is worth seeking advice from an endocrinologist. It is recommended to use iodine-containing drugs strictly as prescribed by the endocrinologist, as this may lead to an increase in hormone levels. In many cases, this may be evidence of weakened thyroid function. In general, an increase in the levels of various hormones in a pregnant woman often indicates the presence of any problems, tumors, or disruption of the body. It is important to detect the problem in time, because a lack of hormones in a growing fetus leads to miscarriage in the early stages, or pathology develops.

Hormones are one of the most extraordinary substances in the body that regulate all metabolic processes and growth of the body. Pregnancy is stress for the body, no matter how natural this state may be. And it is hormones that help him cope with this. Therefore, a woman’s hormonal background changes significantly during this responsible and important period. How do hormones work during pregnancy, and what to do if their work malfunctions?

A pregnant woman’s body works for two people for the entire nine months, which means that exchange issues must occur quickly and uninterruptedly. Therefore, the main change in hormonal levels is the doubled production of various hormones that help the body cope with the increased load.

• Pituitary

The pituitary gland is located in the brain and controls the entire endocrine system of the body from there. During pregnancy, it increases several times and begins to balance hormones:

1. the production of hormones responsible for the functioning of the sex glands decreases;
2. the amount of prolactin, the hormone responsible for lactation, increases;
3. the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone increases for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland;
4. the amount of adrenocorticotropic hormone doubles for enhanced work of the adrenal glands, which also produce important hormones;
5. The concentration of oxytocin increases, which causes uterine contractions during childbirth and helps the mammary glands secrete milk.

However, it is not only the pituitary gland that regulates the production of necessary hormones.

• Corpus luteum of pregnancy

This endocrine gland is formed in the body of a pregnant woman in the ovary. In the corpus luteum, the production of sex hormones that are very necessary for the gestating fetus begins. If there is a lack of progesterone produced by the corpus luteum, it will occur.

• Thyroid

The thyroid gland increases in size during pregnancy and contributes to the normal bearing of the baby.

• Adrenal glands

Pregnancy for the adrenal glands is also a very important period of continuous work. One of their most important functions is the conversion of male hormones into female ones. If this adrenal function is impaired, the risk of miscarriage or premature birth increases.

• Pancreas

Even the pancreas comes to the aid of the body during pregnancy. Insulin is produced in its islets, and if there is a loss of tissue sensitivity to this hormone, diabetes mellitus may begin during pregnancy.

Despite such serious changes in the hormonal background of a pregnant woman, not everyone experiences them as planned. Sometimes unexpected disorders occur, and in this case you have to seek medical help.

Hormonal drugs: why?

If the endocrine system of a pregnant woman cannot provide her with the amount of hormones necessary for full bearing of the child, the doctor prescribes hormonal medications. There is no consensus on their benefits and harms, but no alternative to their use during pregnancy has yet been found. They may prescribe medications that restore the lack of progesterone in the body:

• Duphaston tablets;
• Urozhestan - soft capsules.

To ensure that hormones do not malfunction during pregnancy, but help a woman bear a healthy and strong baby, you need to take care of the endocrine system long before pregnancy. A healthy lifestyle is the key to a successful pregnancy, successful childbirth and the health of the unborn baby.

Many people have heard about the pregnancy hormone, but few know that there are actually several of them. After conception occurs, hormonal changes occur in the body of every woman. Without it, it would be impossible to carry a fetus, its normal intrauterine development and the birth of a healthy baby. Every hormone, without exception, influences the course of pregnancy.

Hormones that are responsible for the normal course of pregnancy

Both after natural conception and after IVF, every woman should be under medical supervision. This is necessary to preserve the fetus. It is important to get tested regularly to monitor the health of the woman and child.

The main role in maintaining the normal course of pregnancy belongs to pituitary hormones.

This appendage of the brain is located in the area of ​​the sella turcica (bone pocket of the skull). The pituitary gland produces hormones that are responsible not only for reproductive function, but also for the growth of the body, as well as for the metabolic processes that occur in it. These are hormones that significantly affect pregnancy.

At the same time, the production of releasing hormones stops. This is necessary for a woman to stop menstruating. The level of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormone decreases, which makes it possible to suppress the growth processes of ovarian follicles and stop ovulation. These changes are normal. If they do not occur, then the likelihood of miscarriage increases.

This hormone is produced by the corpus luteum of the ovaries. If progesterone levels are low, the likelihood of miscarriage increases.

Estrogens

All changes that occur in the female body during gestation occur under the influence of three estrogens, which are produced by the placenta, ovarian follicles and adrenal cortex. These are types of hormones such as:

• estriol;
• estrone;
• estradiol

Estrogens are necessary in order to regulate metabolic processes, stimulate the growth of the uterus, and provide normal living conditions for the fetus. Hormones such as thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and human chorionic gonadotropin are also of great importance for the mother.

Features of the growth of hormone levels during pregnancy

During pregnancy, all indicators of the body change. They need to be monitored regularly by getting tested. This increases the level of hormones such as:

1. Prolactin. Its performance increases 5-10 times. The level of the hormone begins to increase from the first trimester, which leads to the appearance of “signs of pregnancy” in women: swelling of the mammary glands, the appearance of colostrum, etc.
2. Thyroid-stimulating hormone. TSH regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland.
3. Adrenocorticotropic hormone. This substance is produced by the adrenal glands.
4. Oxytocin. Its maximum level in the blood is observed in late pregnancy, as it is necessary to intensify labor. Oxytocin is responsible for the strength of uterine contractions during labor and milk production. Therefore, if the body produces it in insufficient quantities, then intramuscular administration of oxytocin is required.
5. Pituitary hormones. Their level increases 3 times, which ensures the normal course of pregnancy as a whole.

The eggs stop maturing and menstruation stops immediately after the fertilized egg takes root in the uterus. All these processes are provided by hormones. The normal course of pregnancy and the birth of a healthy child depend on the hormonal status.

If male sex hormones increase in the female body, this leads to disturbances in the emotional sphere and a jump in body weight towards its increase. Therefore, it is so important to take tests in a timely manner and monitor the functioning of the hormonal system.

Study of the hormonal status of a pregnant woman

Regular monitoring by a doctor will help you avoid many problems associated with pregnancy and subsequent childbirth. All women are referred for blood donation for hormones. Each of them gives the doctor certain information about the course of pregnancy at one stage or another.

Here are the hormone tests you should take first during pregnancy:

1. Progesterone. If the level of this hormone is low, a woman will not be able to get pregnant. The uterus will not be ready to receive and implant a fertilized egg. Progesterone deficiency also leads to miscarriage in early pregnancy.
2. HCG. This pregnancy hormone indicates that natural conception or IVF was successful, the fertilized egg was fixed in the uterus and began to develop.
3. Follicle stimulating hormone. It is produced by the pituitary gland. It reaches its maximum values ​​during ovulation, and closer to menstruation its level decreases. FSH reflects the reproductive capabilities of a woman’s body. If its production is disrupted, then certain adjustments are required. The woman is prescribed medications that stimulate FSH production. Only after this can you begin.
4. Luteinizing hormone. This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and controls the synthesis of estrogen. When luteinizing hormone reaches its peak levels, a woman begins to menstruate. Therefore, after in vitro fertilization, patients are prescribed special medications. They force the body to readjust and accept a fertilized egg.

All women should be tested for these hormones, as they reflect the progress of pregnancy. If any deviations are observed, the doctor will be able to make the necessary adjustments in a timely manner.

What hormones prevent conception?

Before referring a patient for IVF, the doctor will prescribe her a comprehensive examination. It will provide information about her hormonal status, about how smoothly the body’s hormonal system functions. This is very important as it allows you to assess the scale of the problem.

There are some hormones that prevent conception and the development of pregnancy. These include:

• estradiol;
• testosterone;
• luteinizing hormone;
• progesterone.

Estradiol causes epithelial cells and follicles to develop. If little estradiol is produced, the follicle cannot fully mature. Therefore, the woman does not ovulate. Low estradiol levels are described in detail in our separate article.

Testosterone is the main male hormone, but in a woman’s body it is present in minimal concentrations. When there is too much testosterone, the egg loses its normal ability to develop, and ovulation does not occur. An excess of this hormone in the body during pregnancy leads to early onset of labor or fading of pregnancy.

Luteinizing hormone causes the follicle capsule to rupture. Thanks to this, the egg is released and can meet the sperm. If this hormone is not enough, then the likelihood of the formation of an ovarian cyst increases, which is an obstacle to pregnancy.

Progesterone. In this video, the doctor will talk about how low progesterone affects the ability to conceive:

Infertility and hormones

A woman with infertility needs treatment, which should be started as early as possible. Otherwise, reproductive function will be seriously affected, resulting in infertility.

Therefore, before referring a woman to IVF, doctors carefully study the functioning of her hormonal system.

All factors that can become an obstacle to conception are clarified. Only after they have been eliminated can the in vitro fertilization procedure begin. It is prescribed only for diagnosed infertility. In this case, the hormonal balance of the body must be brought back to normal. This is the only way to achieve success, which boils down to the birth of a healthy baby.

Write the results of your hormone tests in the comments. Ask questions, we will definitely answer them. Share this article on your social networks. Don't forget to rate it with stars. Thanks for visiting. May all your tests be normal! Good health to you!

During intrauterine life, numerous signals are emitted from the fetus that are perceived by the mother. Therefore, the work of the mother’s body at this time is subordinated to one main goal - to ensure the correct development of the baby.

In this issue we begin a series of articles about physiological changes in the body of the expectant mother. The information they contain will help you understand and more easily accept all the changes that occur during pregnancy, prevent the occurrence of complications, pay attention in time to those phenomena that are not classified as physiological changes, and consult a doctor.

The most important role in the regulation of metabolism, vital processes and growth of the body is played by special substances - hormones. The endocrine system is a system of glands that produce hormones and release them into the blood. These glands, called endocrine glands, are located in different parts of the body, but according to the “type of their activity” they are closely interconnected.

Pituitary is located in the brain. Its hormones control the activity of other endocrine glands and influence body size and growth processes.

Thyroid located on the neck; it produces hormones that regulate metabolic rate.

Parathyroid glands produce a hormone that regulates the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. These small glands are adjacent to the thyroid (hence their name: pair- means "about" in Greek.

Thymus (thymus gland) produces hormone thymosin, promoting the maturation of cells of the immune system.

Pancreas , in addition to the secretion of digestive juices, produces insulin regulating carbohydrate metabolism.

Adrenal glands “responsible” for hormones that affect various metabolic processes in the body and the functioning of the nervous system. The adrenal glands also produce sex hormones.

Pineal gland (epiphysis)- a small formation in the brain where nerve impulses from the eyes through the brain cause the release of a hormone melatonin. The production of melatonin depends on the light: during the daytime the formation of the hormone decreases, during the dark time of the day it increases, therefore it is believed that the pineal gland is a kind of “biological clock” of the body.

Sex glands play a key role in reproduction processes. These glands (in women, the ovaries, in which the eggs mature) produce hormones that determine the development of secondary sexual characteristics - under their influence, girls quickly increase in height and body weight, the shape of the skeleton, especially the pelvis, changes, as well as their figure, mammary glands form, and hair on the pubic area, then in the armpits. Sex hormones also determine the onset of menstruation - the main sign of puberty, indicating the ability of the female body to become pregnant. As a result, under the influence of sex hormones, reproductive function develops, preparing the girl’s body for future motherhood.

Changes that occur during pregnancy

The complexity of changes in the hormonal system of a pregnant woman is determined by the fact that the activity of the mother’s endocrine glands is greatly influenced by the hormones of the placenta, as well as the fetus.

Pituitary increases by 2-3 times during pregnancy. This once again confirms the fact that during pregnancy the endocrine system works to provide all systems of the body. The pituitary gland, as the “conductor” of the endocrine system, increases in size and begins to work more intensely. First of all, this is expressed in a sharp decrease in the production of hormones that regulate the functioning of the gonads ( follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)). This is accompanied by a natural inhibition of egg maturation in the ovaries; the process of ovulation - the release of eggs into the abdominal cavity - also stops. Output prolactin, responsible for the formation of lactation, during pregnancy, on the contrary, increases and by the time of birth increases 5-10 times compared to the indicators characteristic of non-pregnant women. Since the increase in prolactin production begins in the first trimester of pregnancy, changes in the mammary glands appear already during this period.

Expectant mothers experience increased production thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH), which regulates thyroid function.

During pregnancy, production also increases. adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH), which regulates the production of adrenal hormones.

Concentration produced in the pituitary gland oxytocin increases at the end of pregnancy and during childbirth, which is one of the triggers of labor. The main property of oxytocin is the ability to cause strong contractions of the muscles of the uterus, especially during pregnancy. There is a synthetic analogue of this hormone, which is administered to a woman when labor weakness develops. Oxytocin also promotes the release of milk from the mammary glands.

The occurrence and development of pregnancy are associated with the work of the new endocrine gland - corpus luteum of pregnancy . This gland is formed in the ovary at the site of the egg. The corpus luteum produces sex hormones ( progesterone And estrogens), which play a huge role in implantation and further development of pregnancy. Progesterone, secreted by the corpus luteum, plays a special role in the first trimester of pregnancy: it is the main hormone of this period, because determines implantation and retention of the fertilized egg in the uterus. If there is a lack of progesterone, there is a risk of miscarriage. To correct this condition, drugs containing synthetic analogues of progesterone are used - DUPHASTON, UTROZHESTAN. From the 3-4th month of pregnancy, the corpus luteum undergoes involution (reverse development) and its function is entirely taken over by the placenta. The corpus luteum is stimulated human chorionic gonadotropin, which is produced in the pituitary gland.

Most women experience an increase in size during pregnancy. thyroid gland . It is not without reason that in ancient times an increase in neck circumference was regarded as a sign of pregnancy. Today it is known that the thyroid gland plays an important role in the processes occurring in the female body during pregnancy. During this period, the concentration of thyroid hormones increases. It is no coincidence that thyroid diseases are often detected during pregnancy. On the other hand, an existing pregnancy may “distort” the results of some laboratory tests. Pregnancy can lead to both worsening and improvement of pre-existing thyroid disease. Often such pathologies appear after childbirth, most often in the form of postpartum thyroiditis.

Pathology of the thyroid gland affects the course of pregnancy. Thus, an increase in the amount of thyroid hormones increases the risk of miscarriage; a decrease in thyroid function (low T4 levels) at the beginning of pregnancy leads to impaired brain formation and cretinism in the child. However, hypothyroidism during pregnancy is relatively rare because the disease is often accompanied by infertility.

Function parathyroid glands in pregnant women it is often slightly reduced, which is accompanied by disturbances in calcium metabolism. This, in turn, may be accompanied by the occurrence of convulsive phenomena in the calf and other muscles in some pregnant women.

Significant changes occur during pregnancy adrenal glands . The production of most adrenal hormones is increased during this period. It should be noted that the adrenal glands, among others, produce sex hormones. In the adrenal glands of women, the transition from male to female sex hormones occurs. This happens with the help of a special enzyme. With a genetically determined deficiency of this enzyme, they speak of adrenal hyperandrogenism - an increased amount of male sex hormones. This condition can be assumed even before pregnancy or at the very beginning. This is important, since with hyperandrogenism there is a risk of premature termination of pregnancy. To confirm this diagnosis, special urine and blood tests are performed.

Endocrine organs include pancreatic islets which produce insulin. During pregnancy, the so-called diabetes mellitus of pregnant women may develop, which is not associated with a decrease in the amount of insulin, but with a decrease in tissue sensitivity to insulin. To diagnose this condition in a timely manner, blood sugar tests are taken repeatedly during pregnancy.

Considering the importance of the endocrine system in “managing” our body and the significance of the changes that it undergoes during pregnancy, every expectant mother should definitely visit an endocrinologist.