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Peripartum prolactin and cortisol level changes. A prospective pilot study
Katarzyna M Wszolek1,2, Karolina Chmaj-Wierzchowska3,4, Malgorzata Piet5,4
1Department of Maternal and Child Health, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland. katarzyna.wszolek@ump.edu.pl.
Ginekologia Polska
|November 15, 2022
Summary
Immediate breastfeeding after labor is linked to lower cortisol levels in mothers and newborns. This suggests early initiation of breastfeeding reduces stress for both, aiding the lactation process.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Neonatology
Background:
- Prolactin and cortisol play key roles in human lactation.
- Postpartum hormonal fluctuations complicate data interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors influencing maternal and umbilical cord prolactin and cortisol levels.
- To investigate the relationship between labor, breastfeeding, and these hormones.
Main Methods:
- Serum cortisol and prolactin measured in full-term pregnant women at labor admission, during the third stage, and postpartum.
- Hormone levels also assessed in umbilical cord blood.
- Correlations analyzed with maternal age, labor duration, and early breastfeeding.
Main Results:
- Maternal age correlated with pre-childbirth prolactin levels.
- Cortisol levels fluctuated with labor duration.
- Pre-childbirth prolactin correlated with umbilical cord pH and base excess.
- Breastfeeding within 2 hours postpartum correlated with lower postpartum cortisol.
Conclusions:
- Labor duration significantly correlated with maternal and umbilical cord cortisol levels.
- Early breastfeeding (within 2 hours) strongly correlated with lower maternal and umbilical cord cortisol.
- Immediate breastfeeding initiation appears to reduce stress for both mother and newborn.
