Skin-to-skin contact after birth and the natural course of neurosteroid levels in healthy term newborns

Abstract

Objective:To determine the postnatal course of neurosteroid levels in relation to gender, mode of delivery and the extent of skin-to-skin (STS) contact during the first days of life in healthy term newborns.Study Design:Prospective observational study of 39 neonates in which parents recorded total duration of STS in the first 2 days and nine neurosteroids (dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, progesterone, pregnenolone, pregnenolone-sulfate, allopregnanolone, isopregnanolone, epipregnanolone, pregnanolone and pregnanolone-sulfate) were assayed from blood samples at birth and at 1–2 days of age.Results:All nine neurosteroid levels declined significantly during the first 2 days of life. Gender did not significantly affect the change in neurosteroid levels. The decline in neurosteroid levels was generally more pronounced in vaginal deliveries, and there was a trend toward a larger decline with more exposure to STS.Conclusion:Ongoing studies may better characterize the role of neurosteroids and the influence of STS in more critically ill and premature neonates.

Parturition and the perinatal period: can mode of delivery impact on the future health of the neonate?

“…The postnatal decline in progesterone, epipregnanolone and pregnanolone sulfate was more significant in infants born by VD compared to pre‐labour CS (McCallie et al . ). As this reaction is similar to that of foals with neonatal equine maladjustment syndrome, the authors suggest that this may be due to a lack of labour rather than the delivery mode itself.…”

“…Skin to skin contact, resembling the Madigan squeeze technique, was administered to 39 full‐term neonates born via CS and VD during the first 2 days of life; a dose–response relationship was observed and a reduction in the levels of inhibitory neurosteroids (McCallie et al . ). Although this effect was only significant for pregnanolone in all deliveries, plus progesterone in infants delivered via VD, the authors suggested that a different response may be observed in critically ill or preterm infants (McCallie et al .…”

“…Although this effect was only significant for pregnanolone in all deliveries, plus progesterone in infants delivered via VD, the authors suggested that a different response may be observed in critically ill or preterm infants (McCallie et al . ).…”

“…McCallie et al . () measured the natural course of nine neurosteroids over the first 2 days of life in 39 full‐term neonates. The postnatal decline in progesterone, epipregnanolone and pregnanolone sulfate was more significant in infants born by VD compared to pre‐labour CS (McCallie et al .…”

Effects of Skin-to-Skin Care on Late Preterm and Term Infants At-Risk for Neonatal Hypoglycemia

“…Also, there is evidence that SSC decreases infant neurosteroid levels, which may indicate decreased stress after birth and therefore better energy conservation and blood glucose stabilization. 24 Several studies have shown that SSC improves colostrum production and the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge. 25 , 26 Colostrum has been shown to stabilize newborn glucose levels as effectively as formula in the first few hours after birth.…”