How to Balance your Hormones Naturally During Pregnancy

A hormone imbalance can be extremely disruptive while you are pregnant. An imbalance can cause discomfort such as extreme fatigue and leave you feeling overly emotional. It can also lead to more serious problems in your pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and in extreme circumstances, could result in miscarriage. 

 

Hormones help maintain the health of your baby, control their rate of growth, and can even trigger the labour process. In order to avoid a challenging pregnancy, you can regulate your hormones using these natural methods.  

 

Get Enough Sleep

 

A solid sleep will help you to regulate your hormone levels as well as your mood. You may find it difficult to fall asleep when pregnant, so practice healthy sleep habits to assist: take a bath before bed to relax, use a body pillow contoured to your belly to feel more comfortable while you sleep, and use blackout curtains in your bedroom to ensure adequate darkness for a good sleep. 

 

Start to establish a sleep routine to assist with creating regular sleep patterns, such as consistent bedtime or pre-sleep rituals to signal to your brain that you are ready to sleep. Getting eight hours of sleep is important, and a healthy amount of sleep can assist in maintaining balanced hormone levels. 

 

Exercise in Moderation

 

Exercise is also important to help regulate hormones. Exercise doesn’t have to be intense, but can be relaxing, especially when you are pregnant. Engage in low-impact exercise such as water aerobics, walking, cardio, or strength training with light weights 3-5 times a week to trigger hormone reactions that last throughout the day. Not only can exercise help regulate your hormones, but mobility will also release endorphins to boost your mood. 

 

Every pregnancy is different, so be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to determine what exercises are safe to perform based on your pregnancy, before you start your exercise regimen. 

 

Healthy Diet

 

It is important that you maintain a healthy diet throughout your pregnancy, despite cravings! Ensure you consume enough protein, as protein provides amino acids that your body can’t produce on its own. Consume healthy fats such as MCT’s, and avoid unhealthy trans-fats, sugar, and refined carbs where possible. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon have been found to decrease the risk of gestational diabetes. Switch from caffeinated drinks such as coffee to herbal teas to ensure your hormones are not affected and to prevent mood swings. 

 

As always, consult with your naturopath or healthcare provider before altering your diet when pregnant, and ensure you are giving your body and your baby the nutrients you need. 

 

Get the Right Supplements

 

If you are not able to regulate your hormones or consume enough nutrients due to a dietary restriction or allergy, you can use supplements to fill any gaps. It is important to take vitamins when pregnant to maintain the healthy growth of your baby, but some supplements can also help to regulate your hormones during pregnancy. Vitamin D3, Vitamin B, magnesium, and cod oil can help to improve your mood and regulate your bodily functions. 

 

Speak to your Naturopath, midwife, or healthcare provider about what supplements are right for you and your pregnancy. 

 

If you believe that you are experiencing a hormonal imbalance in your pregnancy, a Naturopath can help. Dr. Cecilia Ho provides expert naturopathic advice to the Pickering and surrounding regions. Call 905-492-8688 to bookyour complimentary 15 minute session today.