Cortisol as a Biomarker of Stress in Term Human Labor

Abstract

Literature on the use of plasma cortisol to quantify psychophysiological stress in humans is extensive. However, in parturition at term gestation the use of cortisol as a biomarker of stress is particularly complex. Plasma cortisol levels increase as labor progresses. This increase seems to be important for maintenance of maternal/fetal wellbeing and facilitation of normal labor progress. Unique physiological and methodological issues involved in the use of cortisol as a biomarker of stress in labor present challenges for researchers. This review examines these issues, suggests mixed methods and within-subject repeated measures designs, and offers recommendations for assay procedures for parturient sampling. Documentation of clinical interventions and delivery outcomes may elucidate relationships among psychophysiological stressors, cortisol and normal labor progress. With attention to these methodological issues, analysis of plasma cortisol may lead to clinical interventions that support normal labor physiology.

Non‐pharmacological interventions during childbirth for pain relief, anxiety, and neuroendocrine stress parameters: A randomized controlled trial

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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder after Vaginal Delivery at Primiparous Women

“…Risk factors related to delivery include: mode and duration of delivery691217, obstetric factors and complicated deliveries61416, pain59 and epidural analgesia918, intensive fear for own or baby’s life4515, sleep disturbances19 or peripartal dissociation13. Certain factors can be related to pre-, peri- and postpartum period (e.g.…”

The effect of attending a prenatal childbirth preparedness course on labor duration and outcomes

“…Symptoms may manifest as nightmares, physical complaints and difficulties in concentrating on work or on family activities [4,6]. A possible explanation for these observations can lie in increased plasma concentrations of catecholamines often seen in states of anxiety and fear [3,[11][12][13].…”