Progesterone and Postpartum
Feb 15, 2022Progesterone and Postpartum
It might sound silly to focus in on one hormone, but this little hormone plays a big role in our pregnancies and postpartum! Continue reading to find out why we need this little hormone, how it fluctuates in pregnancy and postpartum, and how to manage any side effects of these fluctuations!
Why is this hormone noteworthy?
Progesterone plays a major factor in pregnancy, and in the first few days after birth it goes through huge changes. Swipe through to see what to expect!
Why do we need it?
Progesterone is necessary for pregnancy and allows the lining of the uterus to thicken and prepare for egg implantation. It then continues to nurture that embryo.
Soaring Pregnancy Levels
During pregnancy, our bodies are creating up to 300-400mg/day of progesterone (compared to the usual 15-30mg in a nonpregnant body).
The Fall
Within 72 hours of birth, your progesterone levels drastically fall from where they were at during pregnancy and return back to pre-pregnancy levels.
The Result
The dramatic drop after birth helps trigger milk production, but it may also cause symptoms of PPD. You may notice your energy, mood and emotions are more unpredictable and tougher to keep in balance as a result.
How to create harmony in the early postpartum days:
1. Breathe diaphragmatically as much as possible throughout the day. This will activate your parasympathetic nervous system, alleviate stress, and ground your body.
2. Fuel yourself with nourishing postpartum foods. Did you know your body has unique nutrient needs during postpartum? Iron, Vitamin B12, and DHA are among some of them. Check with your doctor or an RD to make sure you are giving your body what it needs to heal and flourish in postpartum.
3. Exercise as long as possible up to your due date. This might sound a little crazy, but the benefits, especially in early postpartum, are immense. Ideally you will be doing some strength training up to your birth, but you will benefit from any exercise at all! Walking was my saving grace in those last few weeks of pregnancy!
4. Minimize stress. Postpartum is inherently a stressful time. How can you help alleviate some of that stress early on? Ask for help from family or friends, organize a meal train for after baby's birth, practice your diaphragmatic breathing, and find something that helps ground you, like a favorite meditation app.
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