Vasopressin is a hormone that is very similar in both structure and function to oxytocin. It is released from the pituitary gland and does not increase until your third trimester of pregnancy. Vasopressin is an important hormone in the regulation of your contractions during labour and birth. As your labour progresses, your contractions will become […]
Glossary
Relaxin is a protein hormone, which you are going to love in the delivery room! It is produced in your ovaries, breasts and placenta. The placenta accounts for the increase in your relaxin levels during pregnancy. Normally, relaxin levels peak in your body on day 14 of your menstrual cycle and drop again if your […]
FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) is a fertility hormone produced by your pituitary gland. FSH plays a very important role in conception as it sets up the whole process each month during your menstrual cycle, together with LH. FSH’s main responsibility is the growth and maturation of your ovarian follicles, without which you would not be […]
LH (luteinising hormone), also known as lutropin, is an important fertility hormone which affects your ability to ovulate. It is produced in the pituitary gland and is the hormone ovulation tests measure to determine when you will be ovulating. LH has an important role throughout your entire menstrual cycle. In the first two weeks of […]
Prolactin (PRL), also known as the luteotropic hormone (LTH), is the milk hormone which plays an important role in preparing your body for breastfeeding. Prolactin is mainly produced in your pituitary gland and in response to increased estrogen levels, its levels increase between 10 and 20 times during pregnancy. Prolactin’s first and foremost function during […]
hPL or human placental lactogen, also known as hCS (human chorionic somatomammotropin), is a pregnancy hormone produced by your placenta. It is very similar to the human growth hormones normally present in your body and has a very important role in the nourishment of your baby. Firstly, hPL inhibits the ability of your cells to […]
Testosterone, like estrogen and progesterone, is an important fertility hormone and your testosterone levels can greatly influence your ability to conceive and maintain a pregnancy. Testosterone is produced in your ovaries and adrenal glands and increases in your body at low levels during your pregnancy, however it is important that these levels are neither too […]
Oxytocin is another important hormone and though it is what causes those painful contractions during labour, you wouldn’t be able to hold your gorgeous baby without it. Oxytocin has an important role in conception, labour and breastfeeding. In conception, oxytocin is the hormone that is responsible for your sexual arousal and of course if you […]
Progesterone is a very important pregnancy hormone that is always at work in the female body, but during pregnancy its role becomes even more important. Progesterone is also known as the pro-pregnancy hormone, because without it your placenta and uterus cannot support your pregnancy. It has an important role not only during your pregnancy, but […]