The study of maternal and fetal plasma catecholamines levels during pregnancy and delivery.

BACKGROUND

To study maternal and fetal plasma levels of catecholamines (CA) during pregnancy and delivery, especially changes in CA levels during fetal distress and conditions of different modes of delivery.

METHODS

Maternal and fetal plasma NE, E and DA levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for 16 non-pregnant women, 19 cases of early pregnancy, 17 cases of mid pregnancy, late pregnancy, spontaneous vaginal delivery and 53 cases of cesarean section.

RESULTS

Plasma NE and DA levels decreased gradually with the advance of gestational weeks, and levels of plasma NE were significantly lower than those of non-pregnant women (P < 0.05). The levels of plasma CA in patients who had elective cesarean section were significantly lower than those who had vaginal delivery and emergency cesarean section (P < 0.01). However, CA levels of the cord artery in the vaginal delivery group were significantly higher than those in the cesarean section group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Vaginal delivery is better than cesarean section for the newborn. If cesarean section is necessary, it is best for the newborn after onset of labor.