MATERNAL ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIC HORMONE AND CORTISOL DURING LABOUR AND VAGINAL DELIVERY

Abstract

Summary Plasma concentrations of ACTH (by radioimmunoassay) and cortisol (by competitive protein binding) were measured in eight healthy parturients during labour and vaginal delivery. The concentration of both ACTH and cortisol increased during labour; the maximum values were recorded immediately prior to delivery. The changes correlated well with the degree of cervical dilatation. Both the mean (±SEM) ACTH (275.3±39.5 pg./ml.) and cortisol (2.33±0.49 μmol./l.) recorded before delivery were significantly elevated compared with the initial values (ACTH: 89.3±39.5 pg./ml.; cortisol: 0.86±0.20 μmol./l.).