Breastfeeding

Estrogen is probably the most talked-about hormone in the female health world. It takes the blame for everything from acne to mood swings, but it also has an important job to do, especially during pregnancy. Throughout one pregnancy, a woman can produce more estrogen than she will over the rest of her life. This powerhouse hormone is essential in preparing her body to support a new life.

Whether you’re pregnant, planning for pregnancy, or just curious, let’s explore the many roles and changes of estrogen levels during pregnancy.

What Does Estrogen Do During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, estrogen has many key effects. It helps develop the placenta and the network needed to bring nutrients and waste to and from the growing baby. For the fetus itself, maternal estrogen triggers the development of organs like the lungs, liver, and endocrine glands.

In the mother’s body, increased estrogen levels help expand the uterus, maintain the uterine lining, and increase blood flow and vascularization (the formation of new blood vessels) in the uterus and placenta. 

Elevated estrogen also suppresses follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), preventing ovulation during the pregnancy. 

Further into pregnancy, estrogen also promotes the production of milk and the growth of breast tissue, and prepares the body for birth and breastfeeding.

These elevated estrogen levels can have other effects as well. Hyperpigmented skin (usually temporary), and a stuffy nose during pregnancy are both estrogen-linked complaints. Because it triggers increased blood volume, estrogen can also add to spider veins, swelling, nausea, tender breasts, and more frequent trips to the bathroom (you know, in addition to the growing baby tap dancing on top of your bladder). 

Mask of Pregnancy – Melasma

Melasma, also called the “mask of pregnancy,” may be linked to estrogen, other hormones or potentially folate metabolism in pregnancy. Patches of light to dark brown skin can show up on the forehead, cheeks, chin, or anywhere on the face. Melasma is very common in pregnancy and in many cases it can resolve or reduce on its own following birth. Avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen can help prevent the darkening of skin from worsening. 

Estrogen is also responsible for the darkening of your areolas, nipples, and other areas of your body.

Blotchy Skin?

Estrogen can be the reason your skin looks red and splotchy or you have patches of red dry skin.It causes an increase in blood flow and circulation which may be why you’re seeing more redness on your skin.

On the bright (radiant, in fact) side, many women experience a “pregnancy glow,” thanks to that increase in estrogen and blood flow to the skin.

Does Estrogen Maintain Pregnancy?

Estrogen works together with several different hormones to maintain a pregnancy, and estrogen is vital for a full, healthy term. Estrogen helps the uterus grow to accommodate the growing baby and maintains a well-functioning uterine lining and placenta. Estrogen plays a role in regulating other essential pregnancy hormones and in developing fetal organs.

How Is Estrogen Produced During Pregnancy?

A number of different tissues produce estrogen in the female (and male!) bodies, but estrogen in females is primarily produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries. During pregnancy, however, the placenta mostly takes over, causing a steep increase in estrogen production. The primary form of estrogen in an ovulating woman is estradiol, while the placenta produces a form of estrogen called estriol.

Interestingly, estrogen formation is a team effort! Unlike the corpus luteum, the placenta is unable to convert cholesterol into estrogen. Instead, it uses an estrogen precursor produced by the fetus.

Estrogen Levels During Pregnancy Week By Week

Estrogen levels can vary widely during pregnancy and still be within a “normal” healthy range. The big takeaway is that estrogen will be much higher during pregnancy! During the third trimester, a mother’s estrogen can reach over 6000 pg/mL. To put these values into perspective, the “hormonal rollercoaster” of a typical menstrual cycle only fluctuates between about 30-400 pg/mL!

Trimester 1 

Estrogen levels climb fast during the first trimester, and this rapid increase can make for an uncomfortable ride. “Morning sickness” is the period of nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to smells and tastes that commonly strikes in early pregnancy. These effects are likely due to the sudden increase in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Pro-tip, herbs such as ginger tea works wonders here!

During this period, the placenta takes over as the primary estrogen production source, as the corpus luteum begins to degenerate.

Trimester 2

During the second trimester, estrogen helps the mother prepare for breastfeeding. This includes enlarging the breasts and developing milk ducts. Estrogen is also triggering the development of hormones in the baby’s body, including cortisol. While we might associate cortisol with stress in our bodies, it is crucial to help the fetus develop its lungs, liver, and other organs. 

Trimester 3

Estrogen levels keep on climbing throughout pregnancy, peaking in the 3rd trimester. This is when many mommas can experience extra water retention and swelling, thanks in part to all that excess hormone. Closer to delivery, estrogen is responsible for changes in the uterus and cervix that prepare them for contractions, dilation, and birth. 

If you notice excess fluid retention or swelling, try these tips and always communicate with your provider:

• Increase foods rich in potassium like potatoes, avocados, acorn squash and spinach.
• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods.
• Avoid caffeine.
• Rest often.

How Is Estrogen Testing Done?

Estriol (E3) is the main estrogen in pregnancy. During pregnancy, a doctor can use blood samples to monitor estriol levels, along with hCG levels, and alpha-fetoprotein. This test is usually performed around weeks 15-20 and can help identify risks for down’s syndrome or other congenital disabilities. Doctors can also monitor estrogen levels through urine or saliva samples.

It’s important to remember that healthy estrogen levels vary widely across pregnancy, so don’t stress out over fluctuations. Your doctor will know when to take action. And for the most part, this isn’t a test that needs to be performed as part of a healthy pregnancy.

What Happens If Estrogen Levels Are Low During Pregnancy?

Low estrogen levels are linked to lower fertility, increased risk of miscarriage and a woman with below-normal estrogen may have difficulty becoming pregnant. If you suspect hormones are slowing down your plans for pregnancy, grab the free 7-day Meal Plan to give your hormones what they need to find balance. 

During pregnancy, however, low estrogen is less common. Remember– there is a wide range of tolerance for “healthy” levels! 

Abnormally low estrogen levels during pregnancy don’t mean anything by themselves, but together with other factors, can be signs of increased risk of preeclampsia, autism, or certain birth defects. Your doctor can help determine if further testing is needed. 

The Bottom Line

Estrogen is just one of several fascinating hormones that help support a healthy pregnancy. Throughout any phase in life, supporting your body’s hormonal health helps your hormones to support you.

If you’re looking to brush up on your hormonal health, start with my free e-book and Hormone Starter Kit with 7-day Meal Plan.

Straight out to of the gate I want to say— This is my Opinion. You’ve likely found your way onto my blog because you are interested in learning more about your health and I want you to know that you will continue to find educational health posts on this site, but today, well today I just have to speak out on this one.

Natural Mother Magazine, a free online publication that offers families a wealth of natural knowledge just launched their breastfeeding issue. It’s pretty much amazing and in the heart of full disclosure, I contributed to the issue. In fact, I’m a regular contributor, but you’d only have to flip through a few pages to discover that yourself.

And just in case you’re curious– No, I do not get paid or receive any monetary compensation. I contribute to this magazine because I believe in it, I’m passionate about it and it brings me joy to do so.

The magazine released its latest issue and as they have always done, they scheduled their Facebook ad to get the word out. After all, Facebook is where a lot of us moms connect and there is a whole fan forum for the magazine where women share their stories and get support (also, awesome).

Facebook’s response has ignited my desire to write this post. Facebook flagged the magazine as inappropriate and even after an appeal, the magazine was still denied posting any pictures of breastfeeding. Yup, in the name of all that is decent, Facebook has deemed breastfeeding to be on the same level as pornography—requiring censorship.

Now here’s the thing, if Facebook doesn’t want breasts on the feed then that is totally their prerogative. But when Facebook responds by stating they just flat out don’t allow this and then I see pages that are dedicated to women’s breast (Angelina Jolie gets her own page with breast shots galore) I gotta pump the breaks and ask “what is really going on here?”

Why is my feed filled with pictures of women’s breasts selling me the American ideal of what a woman should look like?

The truth is, Facebook is fine with cleavage and all things breasts as long as there is money behind it and as long as those breasts aren’t serving the basic human function of sustaining life. This is where I take issue.

When you censor breastfeeding, categorizing it as pornography, you are shaming moms.

Moms have enough going on and there is plenty of shaming to go around. And frankly, I just can’t get behind shaming— not of moms and not of anyone.

You don’t want breasts of Facebook? Fine. But the inconsistency is shaming and degrading to women. Our breasts are appropriate when displayed in advertising, but have a child’s head covering more of the breast than a swimsuit does and that is inappropriate?

Breastfeeding or bottle feeding—no mom should feel shame!

You can support Natural Mother Magazine by just reading their issue or liking their Facebook page.

Yeah, you’re probably thinking, “why don’t we just leave Facebook.” But, how about we shift the stigma around this whole breastfeeding and mother-shaming thing and get a little more involved on Facebook?

Here’s a hashtag if you’re into that. #‎facebookstopcensoringbreastfeeding‬

If you’ve gotten this far, thanks. And if you’re thinking, “Woe, this is a bit of a rant.” I admit that it is, but I really felt compelled to stand up and call this one out, not as a doctor, but as a mother.

Much love to all the families out there.