Plasma ACTH, cortisol, growth hormone, prolactin, and glucose values in neonates delivered by normal vaginal delivery and cesarean section

Abstract

In the early postnatal period, the differences in the plasma levels of stress hormones and glucose were investigated in healthy neonates born by normal vaginal delivery (VD) and elective cesarean section (C/S) whose mothers were healthy. Forty term neonates were included in the study (20 VD, 20 C/S). The plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), prolactin, and glucose levels of neonates were measured at 0., 4., and 24. hours. The plasma ACTH values were found higher in newborn born by VD. Serum cortisol levels did not different at 0. and 4. hours in each group, but it was observed higher in neonates delivered by VD at 24. hours. Prolactin and GH levels were equal in neonates delivered by VD and C/S. The blood glucose levels were found lower in newborns delivered by C/S at 0. and 4. hours.The-difference of blood glucose levels between the two groups disappeared at 24. hours. The higher plasma ACTH values in newborns delivered by VD than delivered by C/S lead us to think that the VD delivery caused more stress to the newborns. The plasma cortisol. GH, and prolactin levels were not affected by delivery type. The blood glucose level was found lower in neonates delivered by C/S during early postnatal period, but these babies were able also to keep glucose homeostasis in the levels of VD babies.