[Atrial natriuretic peptide, antidiuretic hormone and aldosterone during delivery and the puerperium].

Plasma concentrations of ANP, Aldosteron and ADH were determined immediately ante- and post-partum and on the second day of puerperium in 36 healthy women, 12 primiparous and 24 multiparous. These parameters were also measured by RIA in umbilical cord plasma obtained at the time of delivery. The values were compared with an age-matched group of non pregnant women. The mean ANP-values before and after birth showed no significant difference but they were higher than in the non pregnant controls, and in umbilical cord plasma. The mean Aldosteron values during pregnancy and puerperium were significantly elevated against the non pregnant women, but they showed a marked decrease on the second day of puerperium. The mean Aldosteron levels in umbilical cord plasma were higher than all pregnant values. The mean ADH-levels before and after birth were also elevated against the non pregnant group, but on the second day of puerperium a significant decrease was established. The mean values of umbilical cord plasma were significantly elevated against all other maternal and non pregnant values.