Why hormones matter in pregnancy and birth

Why hormones matter in pregnancy and birth

One of the top fears people have in pregnancy, is the worry about how they might handle pain in labour. This is a really natural concern to have, but sometimes one that can feel quite big to voice. It can be really helpful to explore any concerns, whether they are big or small - seem irrelevant or silly. Sometimes having those conversations with a trusted supporter can make all the difference in helping you feel prepared and able to go into ‘labour land’ when the time is right.

I’d love to share some of the amazing science that can help explain how you are already well-prepared to cope with the intensity of birth. The unique cocktail of hormones that are present in labour are sometimes overlooked but are hugely powerful in supporting the birth process.

Firstly, WTF are hormones?

We all talk about hormones, but often in a kind of dismissive, ‘I’m feeling hormonal’ kind of way. Where hormones are often a throw-away synonym for overwhelm, having strong emotional feelings or even feeling out of control. It’s also historically been a dismissive term used when women express thoughts or feelings. So, maybe you’ve grown up not necessarily trusting your hormones? What’s your relationship been like with your cycle and the terms we use around hormones?

Let’s dive in…

In the early stages of preparing for labour, Prostaglandin is working away in the background to help prepare your body for labour. Although not *strictly* a hormone, they are ‘hormone-like’ in how they are produced and work in the body. They (more than one type!) help with cervical ‘ripening’ and uterine contractions and have been identified as having increased presence in blood, urine and amniotic fluids from late pregnancy onwards. Some medical inductions involve using a pessary of prostaglandins (Prostin or Propess aka dinoprostone) to soften and open the cervix in early labour.

Prostaglandins are affected by some foods! They might be the reason that there's some suggested link between eating dates and going into labour.

For more info on induction you could start with Sara Wickham’s brilliant article: 10 Things I Wish Every Woman Knew About Induction.

A note about painkillers!

It’s worth noting that prostaglandins can also reduce pain, though what part that might have in the birth process is unclear! But, while we’re talking prostaglandins and pain killers, if you are in late pregnancy (or in early labour) you might want to consider which painkillers you might use - some of them (like paracetamol) can stop the body’s production of prostaglandins, not necessarily the best plan when you’re trying to give yourself the optimal conditions to go into labour! You can read more about that on the Undercover Midwife blog.

However, stress that might come with pain isn’t optimal either - so it may be worth exploring BRAIN with your care providers or midwife to make sure you get the right balance for you and your birth.

Obviously, I'm not a doctor - so this isn't medical advice! Just a note to remind you that there are options and alternatives and you may want to dig a little deeper before choosing a path.

One of the most talked about birth hormones is Oxytocin - the love hormone. I'll be talking about that next... sign up for email reminders, follow me on socials and have a scroll through the info and services here. You can alway message me if you're looking for specific info or support.

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