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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics

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Open Access 01-08-2016 | Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Circulating maternal cortisol levels during vaginal delivery and elective cesarean section

Authors: Ylva Vladic Stjernholm, Annie Nyberg, Monica Cardell, Charlotte Höybye

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 2/2016

Abstract

Introduction

Maternal S-cortisol levels increase throughout pregnancy and peak in the third trimester. Even higher levels are seen during the physical stress of delivery. Since analgesia for women in labor has improved, it is possible that maternal stress during labor is reduced. The aim of this study was to compare maternal S-cortisol during vaginal delivery and elective cesarean section.

Materials and methods

Twenty healthy women with spontaneous vaginal delivery and healthy women (n = 20) undergoing elective cesarean section were included in the study. S-cortisol was measured during three stages of spontaneous vaginal delivery (tvd1, tvd2 and tvd3), as well as before and after elective cesarean section (tcs1 and tcs2).

Results

In the vaginal delivery group, mean S-cortisol at tvd1 was 1325 ± 521 nmol/L, at tvd2 1559 ± 591 nmol/L and at tvd3 1368 ± 479 nmol/L. In the cesarean section group, mean S-cortisol at tcs1 was 906 ± 243 nmol/L and at tcs2 831 ± 257 nmol/L. S-cortisol was higher in the vaginal delivery group at the onset of labor as compared to the cesarean section preoperative group (p = 0.006). There were also significant differences between S-cortisol levels postpartum as compared to postoperatively (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Maternal S-cortisol was higher during vaginal delivery compared to elective cesarean section, indicating higher stress levels. A reduction in the hydrocortisone dose at childbirth in women with adrenal insufficiency should be considered, particularly in women undergoing an elective cesarean section.

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Title: Circulating maternal cortisol levels during vaginal delivery and elective cesarean section
Authors: Ylva Vladic Stjernholm
Annie Nyberg
Monica Cardell
Charlotte Höybye
Publication date: 01-08-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 2/2016
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-015-3981-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Circulating maternal cortisol levels during vaginal delivery and elective cesarean section

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

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