How progesterone works in pregnancy?

Ah, pregnancy – the time when Daddy’s little girl becomes Mama Bear. It’s like a never-ending science experiment taking place right inside your body! And as it turns out, one particular element plays a pivotal role in this experiment of life: progesterone. This hormone is to pregnancy what Beyoncé is to music – its powerhouse. Let’s take a closer look at how progesterone works during pregnancy (and why you should think twice before underestimating its power!)

What exactly is progesterone?

First things first. Before we dive into how this superhero hormone functions during pregnancy, let us define what it actually means so you can feel like some kind of super-genius yourself next time someone mentions the word ‘progesterone.’

Progesterone (Fun Fact: nicknamed P4) belongs to the group of steroid hormones secreted by women’s ovaries after ovulation throughout their reproductive age range and also during some stages in menopause.

Why does it matter? Because once fertilization occurs and that tiny little bundle starts growing inside mama-to-be’s belly, there are significant changes occurring in her hormonal environment – specifically an increase in PROGESTERONE levels shifting from ovarian production to placental production over approximately 10-12 weeks following conception.

What exactly does progesterone do?

Short-answer: EVERYTHING!

Long-answer: Seriously though, I’ll give you ALL the deets on what makes this miracle worker tick:

Prep work:

Think of your uterus as getting ready for Cinderella-like ball where every detail has been thought through beforehand just with a lot more blood… and no possibility of glass slippers.

That could be due partly because Ladies who are pregnant experience this surge in P4 which helps prepare our lovely uterus (insert jazz hands) for implantation from D-day onwards
(Side note: D-day=Day when sperm joins an egg and forms a zygote)

Eases into the role:

Progesterone is all about creating that perfect haven for baby. Not only does it facilitate implantation of the fertilized ovum in uterine wall, but it also relaxes certain muscles so as to prevent early contractions which could lead to premature labor (Fun Fact: Also known as antenatal labor).

Keeps growth under control:

Progesterone helps limits your oxygen consumption and ensures that your blood flow remains evenly distributed throughout your pregnancy.
It facilitates fetal development along with maintaining food supply via the placenta

Help regulate Blood Sugar Levels

Progesterone can aid in regulating maternal metabolism by increasing levels of insulin secretion from white beta cells present in pancreas. Thus ensuring fetus gets sufficient nutrients vital for growth.

And just like that, you were stumped by progesterone’s magic formula (and perhaps its medical terminology too). But wait! There are more benefits this hormone has up its sleeve than simply being good at prepping and nurturing Mama Bear’s womb…

What other secret powers does progesterone have?

Well let me reveal them one-by-one:

Say no to menstrual cycles!

Apparently, research suggests us ladies can thank our pregnant selves profusely next time we miss Aunt Flow; P4 coming into play once again!

Instead of passing on those pesky cramps & cravings for chocolate ahead of Mother Nature’s monthly visits, progesterone works behind-the-scenes silently tricking The Brain – preventing the body’s release of eggs!!
Yes…You read it right- As long as progestrone levels continue rising,say hello to naturally occuring contraception until birth occurs.

Dampening immune response

The excitement doesn’t stop there; Progesterone also skews maternal immune response towards Th-2 which better enables developing embryo to be protected while making uterus relatively more tolerable for the little human you are carrying around.

Further helps Prenatal Growth

P4 Plays a role in ensuring proliferation and differentiation of mammary gland cells plus stimulates secretion of milk post-delivery. It also aids in improving mother-infant bonding.

Is there such a thing as too much progesterone?

At this point, you may think “Wowza! This hormone is amazing! Can we get more?” Well, hypothetically speaking – sure. But realistically speaking – Nope!

Truthfully, overproduction of progestrone should occur at appropriate times during pregnancy . An abnormally elevated baseline levels can lead up to abnormal growths, premature labors etc . Levels generally drop dramatically back after birth.

Moreover , any external or synthetic medications like supplementary oral pills containing hormones present exogenously often need to constantly have higher dosage because oral ones face resistance from liver enzymes which can consume upto 90%!!
Pro-tip? Do not self-medicate and always consult your OB/GYN before taking Any hormonal medication

The Takeaway

So now that we’re home free with all these fun facts about the miracle working powers of PROGESTERONE (Hopeful Mama shoutout!) Aagh yes remember its importance and significance throughout pregnancy journey

From laying down on that bed voluntarily like Beyonce did proclaiming her crazy love for Jay-Z till
Colic calls become an integral part of every waking hour looking forward to when Baby’s getting enough quality sleep (fingers-crossed)!!

In short words: Progesterone is Superhero and is essential for nurturing new life into existence.Regardless how awful it feels running interference with moods, weight-gain,the works… Raise those chubby baby fingers as high as they’ll go and thank your lucky stars (and Mama Bear’s ovaries) for progesterone.