Pregnancy Hormones Explained for Dads: A Guide to Supporting Your Partner

Pregnancy is a profound journey, not just for expectant mothers but also for dads. While most dads-to-be are prepared for visible changes like a growing bump, many are unaware of the whirlwind of hormonal changes their partner is experiencing. These pregnancy hormones impact everything from mood and energy levels to physical appearance and emotional health. Understanding these changes can help dads provide better antenatal support and maintain a harmonious partnership during this transformative time.

In this guide, we break down the primary pregnancy hormones, their effects, and how dads can support their partner through these changes.

Why Pregnancy Hormones Matter

Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers. During pregnancy, hormonal changes prepare the mother’s body to nourish and protect the growing baby. However, these shifts often lead to physical and emotional symptoms such as morning sickness, mood swings, and fatigue. For dads, understanding these changes fosters empathy and equips them to offer more meaningful support.

Key Stats on Pregnancy Hormones:

hCG levels: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels double every 48–72 hours in early pregnancy, peaking at around 10 weeks (American Pregnancy Association, 2023).

Oestrogen: During pregnancy, oestrogen levels rise by more than 1000 times the normal level (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 2023).

Oxytocin: Often called the “love hormone,” oxytocin peaks during labour, aiding in childbirth and bonding.

Understanding the Primary Pregnancy Hormones

1. hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

hCG is one of the first hormones to surge after conception. Produced by the placenta, it supports the early development of the embryo by maintaining the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone.

Effects on Mum: Elevated hCG levels contribute to morning sickness, which affects up to 70% of pregnant women (NHS UK, 2023).

What Dads Can Do: Be patient and understanding if your partner feels nauseous or fatigued. Offer practical help, like preparing bland meals or keeping snacks on hand to ease symptoms.

2. Progesterone

Progesterone is essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. It helps thicken the uterine lining, supports foetal development, and prevents uterine contractions.

Effects on Mum: High progesterone levels can cause fatigue, bloating, and mood swings. It also relaxes muscles, which can lead to digestive issues like constipation.

What Dads Can Do: Encourage your partner to eat high-fibre foods, stay hydrated, and engage in gentle exercise like antenatal yoga to alleviate discomfort.

3. Oestrogen

Oestrogen levels skyrocket during pregnancy, supporting the development of the uterus and the baby’s organs.

Effects on Mum: This hormone contributes to physical changes such as fuller breasts and increased blood flow. However, it may also cause skin changes like pigmentation or acne.

What Dads Can Do: Compliment your partner on her beauty and help her feel confident. If skin changes are a concern, consider researching safe skincare options together.

4. Oxytocin

Known as the “love hormone,” oxytocin plays a key role in labour by stimulating uterine contractions. Post-birth, it helps with bonding and breastfeeding.

Effects on Mum: Oxytocin creates a sense of emotional connection but can also cause heightened sensitivity during labour.

What Dads Can Do: Prepare for labour by attending antenatal classes near me, which often teach relaxation techniques and how to offer support during contractions.

5. Relaxin

Relaxin softens the ligaments in the pelvis to prepare for childbirth. It also increases joint flexibility.

Effects on Mum: While relaxin reduces the risk of complications during delivery, it may cause joint pain or instability during pregnancy.

What Dads Can Do: Encourage low-impact activities like pregnancy yoga classes and offer back massages to relieve tension.

How Hormonal Changes Affect Emotions

Pregnancy hormones significantly impact mood and emotional health. Many dads may notice their partner experiencing:

Mood Swings: Sudden shifts between happiness, sadness, or irritability.

Anxiety: Worries about labour, finances, or parenting are common.

Increased Sensitivity: Heightened emotions can make communication more challenging.

Tips for Dads:

Listen Without Judging: Sometimes, your partner needs to vent without solutions.

Attend Antenatal Appointments: Being present for scans or consultations shows commitment and helps you stay informed.

Encourage Relaxation: Suggest activities like prenatal massage or time for hobbies to reduce stress.

Physical Symptoms Linked to Hormones

Understanding the physical effects of pregnancy hormones can help dads respond with compassion.

1. Morning Sickness

Triggered by hCG, nausea can occur at any time of day and may last until the second trimester.

Support Tip: Keep ginger tea or crackers nearby. Avoid strong-smelling foods that could trigger nausea.

2. Fatigue

Progesterone often causes extreme tiredness, particularly in the first trimester.

Support Tip: Take over household chores or encourage afternoon naps.

3. Physical Discomfort

Hormones like relaxin may lead to back pain, while oestrogen can cause swollen feet.

Support Tip: Offer foot rubs or book a session for prenatal massage benefits at an antenatal clinic.

Attending Antenatal Classes Together

Many antenatal education programmes include modules on how hormones affect pregnancy and how dads can play an active role in their partner’s care.

Popular Topics in Classes:

Coping with hormonal mood swings.

Practising relaxation techniques like antenatal yoga.

Understanding the stages of labour and hormonal changes during delivery.

Why Dads Should Attend:

Antenatal classes foster shared responsibility and equip dads with skills to support their partner physically and emotionally.

Hormones and Labour: What to Expect

As labour approaches, hormones like oxytocin and prostaglandins take centre stage, initiating contractions and preparing the body for delivery.

Key Stats on Hormonal Labour Changes:

Oxytocin levels peak during active labour, helping to manage pain naturally (RCOG, 2023).

Endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, increase during late labour.

What Dads Can Do:

Provide continuous encouragement during contractions.

Offer physical support, such as back massages or holding your partner’s hand.

The Postpartum Hormonal Shift

After birth, hormones undergo a dramatic shift, which can lead to the “baby blues” or even postpartum depression in some cases.

Support Tip for Dads: Be vigilant about your partner’s emotional health. If you notice persistent sadness or withdrawal, encourage her to seek professional help.

Conclusion

Understanding pregnancy hormones equips dads to offer more empathetic and effective support throughout the journey. From managing physical discomfort to addressing emotional needs, your role as a supportive partner is invaluable. By attending antenatal classes, staying informed, and fostering open communication, dads can help create a positive pregnancy experience for both their partner and their growing family.

Pregnancy hormones may be unpredictable, but your unwavering support can make all the difference. Remember, this is a shared journey, and together, you can navigate the ups and downs with confidence and care.