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What Exactly Is Progesterone & Why Is It Important
Progesterone is a natural hormone produced by your ovaries, and then your placenta takes over later in pregnancy. Progesterone prepares your uterus so that a fertilised egg can attach and grow as it should. If you’re low on progesterone, getting pregnant might be difficult.Progesterone aids in the development of the lining of your uterus to support the growing foetus in the first few weeks of conception. With time, it relaxes your muscles, promotes blood circulation in your uterus, and prevents early contractions.
Normal progesterone levels rise steadily throughout pregnancy, from about 10 ng/mL in the initial weeks to up to 290 ng/mL in the third trimester.
How Does Progesterone Affect Your Baby’s Weight at Birth
A baby’s weight when they’re born tells you a lot about their health. A healthy weight for a newborn is typically around 2.5 to 4 Kg. Babies born smaller than this might experience problems with blood sugar, body temperature, and even breathing. Progesterone influences birth weight in multiple ways:- Progesterone ensures your placenta grows properly and gets enough blood. This helps in weight gain by delivering oxygen and food to the baby.
- Low progesterone levels can lead to premature labour. Preterm babies are often born underweight, so maintaining adequate hormone levels helps lessen the risks.
- Progesterone relaxes blood vessels, allowing smoother blood circulation. Getting enough nutrients helps the baby grow inside you.
- It keeps oestrogen and other hormones in check, maintaining a healthy environment to promote your baby's weight gain.
Can Low Progesterone Cause Low Birth Weight
Yes, it can. If your progesterone is low, your uterus might not be able to help your baby grow the way it should. Studies show that individuals with low progesterone early or midway through pregnancy are more prone to having smaller babies or face preterm labour.Low progesterone can also cause a lack of nutrients in your foetus due to problems like placental deficiency. This can slow down your baby's growth inside you, known as Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR).
What Causes Low Progesterone When You’re Pregnant
A couple of things can cause it, like:- Lack of nutrition or low body weight
- Hormonal issues or thyroid imbalance
- An increased level of cortisol, resulting from extreme stress, disrupts hormonal balance
- PCOS, i.e., Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Past miscarriage or trouble conceiving
How to Determine if Your Progesterone Level Is Low
It’s a bit difficult to know, but you might get some hints:- Light bleeding or spotting in the initial weeks of conception
- Discomfort in the lower back
- Mood swings for no reason
- Feeling exhausted or weak often
- Cramps or pain in the abdomen
How to Maintain Healthy Progesterone Levels Naturally
- Eat foods like spinach, whole grains, and bananas that are rich in Vitamin B6, zinc, and magnesium.
- Practice deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga to calm yourself.
- Get adequate sleep to help your hormones function properly.
- Drink enough water. It keeps the blood flowing well to your uterus and placenta.
- Skip the processed foods. Too much sugar or refined carbs can mess with your hormone balance.
When to Seek Medical Help
Consult your physician if you notice:- Bleeding or unusual spotting
- Feeling worn out or dizzy for no good reason
- Pain in the abdomen with no sign of improvement
- Sudden changes in the baby’s movement
What to Do Next
- If you notice anything unusual, discuss it with your physician.
- Try to keep your anxiety low through prenatal yoga and light walks.
- Eat well, healthy meals rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Attend all follow-up checkups to keep track of your baby's growth.
- Discuss progesterone testing if you've had hormonal issues or premature delivery earlier.
The Emotional Side
Pregnancy hormones can overwhelm you, not just physically, but emotionally too. If anything frightens you about your baby's growth or hormonal balance, discuss that with your loved ones or partner. Talking about how you feel can really take the pressure off your shoulders. Remember, prioritising your emotions is just as important as having a healthy body, since your baby can pick up on your calm vibes.Progesterone is the star of the show that helps your baby grow strong when you’re pregnant. A balanced level of progesterone supports healthy birth weight and reduces the likelihood of complications such as low birth weight or a smaller baby.
By staying informed, managing stress, eating wholesome foods, and keeping up with regular medical check-ups, you can maintain a healthy hormonal balance and give your baby the best possible start in life.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on The Connection Between Progesterone and Healthy Birth Weight
- Can low progesterone lead to miscarriage?
Yes. Extremely low progesterone can make you prone to miscarriage, especially early on. Getting tested and treated quickly is key. - Can foods help increase progesterone naturally?
Yes, your body can make hormones with the support of foods like avocados, whole grains, nuts, eggs, and spinach. Nevertheless, extremely low hormone levels won’t be cured with diet alone. Always listen to your doctor. - Is it harmless to use progesterone therapy during conception?
Mostly, it’s okay if your doctor prescribes. Doctors have been relying on progesterone therapy for a while now to prevent premature delivery and help babies grow strong.
