Hormones From Pregnancy Through Postpartum: What To Expect as a Surrogate & How To Make the Transition

Becoming a surrogate is a powerful and generous decision—but let’s not sugarcoat it: your body is in for a serious hormonal rollercoaster. From the moment the embryo transfer takes place through the final days of postpartum recovery, your endocrine system is working overtime.

As a surrogate, you're not just physically carrying a baby—you're also navigating hormone shifts that impact your energy, mood, appetite, and more. Understanding what’s happening inside your body can make a huge difference in how you care for yourself, how you communicate with your support team, and how you plan your recovery after delivery.

This guide is your no-nonsense breakdown of what to expect, trimester by trimester (and after), plus how to support your body and mind through the changes.

What Hormones Are Important for Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your body increases production of several key hormones that play specific roles in nurturing the pregnancy and preparing your body for labor and delivery. As a surrogate, these hormones may fluctuate slightly differently due to embryo transfer and fertility treatments.

Here are the major players:

• Estrogen: Promotes uterine growth, increases blood flow, and supports fetal development.
• Progesterone: Maintains the uterine lining and prevents contractions during early pregnancy.
• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): Produced shortly after embryo implantation; supports early pregnancy and is the hormone detected by pregnancy tests.
• Prolactin: Prepares the breasts for milk production.
• Relaxin: Helps the body adjust by loosening joints and relaxing blood vessels.
• Oxytocin: The “bonding” hormone, critical during labor and postpartum.

The Pregnancy Journey: What’s Changing?

Every trimester has its own hormonal profile and physical/emotional symptoms. As a surrogate, it’s important to recognize these changes are normal, though everyone experiences them differently.

1st Trimester

The first trimester is often the most intense for hormonal fluctuation. If you’re a surrogate, this phase likely overlaps with fertility medication withdrawal and natural hormone takeover, which can amplify symptoms.

What you might experience:

• Fatigue and low energy
• Mood swings or heightened emotions
• Nausea or food aversions
• Sleep disruptions
• Cramping and bloating

These symptoms are heavily influenced by the surging levels of hCG, progesterone, and estrogen.

2nd Trimester

This is sometimes called the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy, and for good reason. Hormone levels stabilize somewhat, and many surrogates feel more physically and emotionally balanced.

What you might experience:

• Increased appetite
• Improved energy
• Less nausea
• Emotional stability returns
• Some muscle or joint pain (due to relaxin and body adjustments)

Despite being smoother than the first trimester, estrogen and progesterone remain high, preparing the body for later stages of pregnancy.

3rd Trimester

As delivery approaches, hormones shift again to prepare for labor. Cortisol and oxytocin begin rising, and your body gears up to deliver the baby.

What you might experience:

• Trouble sleeping
• Increased swelling or back pain
• Mood swings or irritability
• Anxiety or racing thoughts
• Braxton Hicks contractions

This is when the physical and emotional burden can feel heaviest, especially knowing that you’ll soon complete the surrogacy journey.

To understand more about hormonal changes and safe prenatal care, check: https://www.womenshealth.gov, https://www.cdc.gov

Postpartum

After the baby is born, estrogen and progesterone drop dramatically, triggering a flood of emotional and physical symptoms. This hormonal crash can affect even experienced surrogates, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

You may feel:

• Intense fatigue
• Crying spells or “baby blues”
• Feelings of emptiness or sadness
• Hot flashes or night sweats
• Loss of appetite or sleep issues

These shifts are temporary, but they can be serious, especially if they evolve into postpartum depression. Agencies should have a plan for supporting surrogates during this stage.

You can learn more about postpartum support and maternal mental health at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov, https://www.mchb.hrsa.gov

How To Improve Symptoms of Hormonal Fluctuations

You can’t control hormone levels—but you can absolutely manage how they affect you with the right tools and strategies.

1. Prioritize Sleep
   Your body is rebuilding—don’t underestimate how much rest you need.
2. Eat Consistently
   Stabilize blood sugar and support hormonal balance with small, nutrient-dense meals.
3. Move Your Body
   Even light walking helps regulate cortisol, improve digestion, and elevate mood.
4. Express Yourself
   Talk to a therapist, support group, or coordinator about what you’re experiencing. Don’t bottle it up.
5. Take Supplements (With Approval)
   Sometimes a prenatal vitamin isn’t enough. Ask your OB or care provider about additional support for mood, iron, or magnesium.

The Value of a Strong Support System

Let’s be real: pregnancy is hard. Doing it for someone else—while beautiful and selfless—adds layers of complexity. That’s why a strong support system isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Who Should Be on Your Team?

• Agency Support Staff: They should check in regularly—not just when things go wrong.
• Mental Health Professionals: Postpartum counseling should be available as part of your surrogacy agreement.
• Other Surrogates: Peer support is incredibly validating.
• Your Own Circle: Friends and family who understand your “why” can offer priceless emotional grounding.

Want to learn more about your rights and access to postpartum care? Explore: https://www.hhs.gov, https://www.samhsa.gov

Conclusion

Hormones are the invisible force behind every stage of the surrogacy journey—from embryo transfer to postpartum recovery. As a surrogate, understanding these hormonal changes empowers you to care for yourself with compassion, patience, and knowledge.

You’re not “just carrying a baby”—you’re moving through one of the most biologically intense experiences a body can endure. Give yourself grace. Speak up. Rest when needed. And lean into the support that’s available.

Because the stronger and healthier you feel, the better this incredible gift becomes—for you, and for the family you’re helping create.