Weight gain, skin changes, hair changes, and changes in mental health may accompany pregnancy and delivery. Most women are aware of the physical changes that occur during pregnancy and delivery, but they may not be aware of the psychological and mental impacts.
There is evidence that hormonal shifts after delivery are linked with postpartum depression. Fortunately, these are temporary changes, and they can occur due to hormonal shifts after birth.
These shifts may leave you feeling “off”. While there are hormonal shifts that occur throughout pregnancy and childbirth, there are two hormones that can significantly affect your feelings: estrogen and progesterone.
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The primary pregnancy hormones are estrogen and progesterone. However, according to doctors at the HFS hormone clinic, pregnant women experience changes in the amount and function of a number of other hormones like prolactin, which plays a role after delivery.
Estrogen: During pregnancy, a woman produces more estrogen than she ever does throughout her life. The uterus and placenta benefit from the increase in estrogen during pregnancy in the following ways:
Furthermore, estrogen plays a crucial role in the development and maturation of the fetus.
As the pregnancy progresses, estrogen levels increase steadily, reaching a peak during the third trimester. Pregnancy nausea occurs when estrogen levels rise rapidly during the first trimester. In the second trimester, it is critical for the growth of milk ducts.
Progesterone: During pregnancy, progesterone production increases. It relaxes ligaments during this time and allows your uterus to accommodate your growing child. Additionally, a high progesterone level also causes internal structures to increase in size, such as the ureters.
Progesterone, however, almost immediately drops off after delivery. Once your ovaries produce progesterone again, you may experience an imbalance until your first period after birth.
Prolactin: This pregnancy hormone plays a significant role in milk production. Its effects are most commonly felt after delivery when you cease producing increased progesterone. The high progesterone level effectively counteracts prolactin’s adverse effects.
Most people are unaware that prolactin also affects dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of happiness and euphoria. After the birth of your baby, low levels of prolactin can sometimes lead to moodiness, fatigue, and an inability to shed weight.
Multiple conditions, including postpartum depression, are related to hormone changes after birth. There is a higher prevalence of postpartum depression than many women know. It is trickier to treat than situational depression due to hormonal fluctuations.
Several hormonal changes occur after childbirth, but prolactin production is the most significant. With high prolactin production, lack of progesterone, and decreased dopamine, it is not surprising that you might feel confused after giving birth.
It is not unusual for new mothers to feel blue after giving birth. Most often, there is anxiety or feeling “down”. One moment, women may feel happy, the next, they may be moody, sad, or overwhelmed.
Some suggest that baby blues are a common side effect of hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and after delivery. However, about 7-20% of women suffering from the baby blues may become seriously depressed in the long-term. Depression after childbirth can strike as early as 12 months after birth or as late as two years after giving birth.
After you give birth, it is important to understand how your hormones change so you can better understand your body. Even months after the birth of your baby, you are likely to experience hormone changes.
If you or someone in your family has a history of depression, you may be more likely to develop postpartum depression. Breast milk production typically declines around the four- to six-month mark due to natural decreases in prolactin levels. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, remember this:
Do not hold back. Feel free to mourn if you want to, but talk to those who are close to you. Describe your feelings and experiences in a natural way. During this time, reaching out to friends, relatives, or your medical provider can be crucial and extremely helpful. When you talk things out and avoid getting swept up in negative emotions, your feelings may improve.
Accepting help is okay. Whether it is family members watching your child, a friend running errands, or your partner doing chores, it is okay to accept help from others. Having a support system to lean on can reduce your stress levels and allow you to relax.
Consult your doctor if you experience negative or intense emotions for several weeks or if they prevent you from caring for your child and yourself. Communicate with your doctor during your follow-up visits, as postpartum depression can escalate without a treatment plan.
It is not uncommon for pregnant women and new mothers to have depression. In fact, depression affects about 10% of new mothers and pregnant women, according to studies. If you’re struggling, reach out. That shows what a caring mom you are.
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