Stress Response Assessment between First and Second Elective Caesarean Sections by Comparing Cortisol Levels.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Surgical Stress Response

Background:

• Elective Cesarean sections (CS) are common surgical procedures.
• Understanding the maternal stress response is crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes.
• Limited data exists comparing the stress response between first and subsequent elective CS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the maternal stress response during a first elective Cesarean section (CS1) versus a second elective Cesarean section (CS2).
• To evaluate cortisol blood levels as a biomarker for stress in elective CS.
• To determine if a second elective CS is less stressful than the first.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study conducted from September 2020 to September 2021.
• Measurement of maternal cortisol blood levels at three distinct stages: pre-procedure, during, and post-childbirth.
• Statistical analysis comparing cortisol levels between the first elective Cesarean (CS1) and second elective Cesarean (CS2) groups.

Main Results:

• Cortisol levels were significantly higher across all measured stages in the CS1 group compared to the CS2 group.
• The second elective Cesarean section (CS2) elicited a demonstrably less stressful physiological response.
• Post-procedure, cortisol levels decreased at a faster rate in the CS2 group, indicating a shorter duration of the stress response.

Conclusions:

• A second elective Cesarean section is a safe procedure with a reduced physiological stress burden on the mother compared to the first.
• These findings provide valuable information for healthcare providers in managing pregnant women undergoing elective CS.
• Practitioners can confidently rely on this data when planning optimal care for women during the childbirth process, particularly for repeat Cesarean births.