The association between maternal cortisol levels and anxiety during labour with neonatal outcome: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective.This study aims to investigate the association of maternal cortisol levels and anxiety during labor with neonatal outcome in primigravida women. Materials and methods.A total of 147 pairs of primigravida with their neonates included in the study.The study was conducted from January to May 2023 using cross-sectional design.Labor anxiety were assessed using the Labor Anxiety Questionnaire Kwestionariusz Lku Porodowego-II (KLP-II).The maternal cortisol was measured using the ELISA at active phase of labor.Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test and Mann-whitney test.Results.The mean age and birth weight of 24.52 4.21 years and 2992 377.68 gr, respectively.The median serum cortisol concentration was 58.35 ng/ml with an interquartile range of 22.19 -70.98 ng/ml.There was no association between maternal cortisol levels and anxiety during labor with neonatal outcome ( antropometry and APGAR score) (P> 0.05).Labor duration also was not influenced by cortisol levels and anxiety during labor, instead of by birthweight (P< 0.05). Conclusions.Both maternal cortisol levels and anxiety during primigravida labor was not associated with neonatal outcome.Further research is needed with a larger sample size to confirm whether acute stress anxiety can influence the neonatal outcome.

Access to Document

Other files and links

• Link to publication in Scopus
• Open Access Version Available

Fingerprint