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Plasma prolactin concentrations after caesarean section or vaginal delivery
L Heasman1, J A Spencer, M E Symonds
1School of Animal and Microbial Sciences, University of Reading, Berks.
Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|February 14, 1998
Summary
Umbilical cord blood prolactin levels were lower in infants born via elective C-section before labor. This suggests labor stimulates the fetal hypothalamic-pituitary axis, increasing prolactin at birth.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Prolactin plays a role in fetal development and maternal adaptations during pregnancy.
- Understanding factors influencing neonatal prolactin levels is crucial for assessing fetal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare umbilical venous plasma prolactin concentrations in term infants based on mode of delivery.
- To investigate the impact of labor on fetal prolactin levels.
Main Methods:
- Umbilical venous blood samples were collected immediately after birth.
- Infants were categorized into three groups: vaginal delivery, emergency cesarean section during labor, and elective cesarean section before labor.
Main Results:
- Mean prolactin concentrations were significantly lower in the elective cesarean section group compared to infants delivered vaginally or via emergency cesarean section during labor.
- This indicates a labor-associated increase in fetal prolactin.
Conclusions:
- Fetal labor exposure stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.
- This stimulation likely contributes to elevated plasma prolactin concentrations observed at birth.