[Influence of the modality of delivery on the plasma levels of ADH in the mother and the newborn infant].

We have studied plasma levels of Anti Diuretic Hormone (ADH) and its relationship to mode of delivery in 21 mothers and in their newborns. On the basis of the mode of delivery, mothers were divided into three subgroups: vaginal delivery before administration of oxytocin; vaginal delivery after administration of oxytocin; caesarean section. The infants are divided into two subgroups: neonates born by vaginal delivery (14 cases); neonates born by caesarean section (7 cases). ADH levels were determined at birth and in third day of life in the neonates. ADH determination was made by Radioimmunoassay (RIA). A noticeable rise in hormone levels was found in infants born by vaginal delivery, but not in neonates born by caesarean section. In third day of life ADH levels were comparable in all neonates. No significant difference was encountered in ADH levels among the subgroups of mothers. There was no correlation between ADH levels and: maternal age, placental weight, duration of labor, period of gestation of the mothers; neonatal weight, gestational age, body weight in 3rd day of life of the neonates; plasma sodium and osmolality both of the mothers and of the neonates. High levels of ADH in neonates delivered vaginally may contribute to increase the blood flow to the placenta and to other vital structures of the fetus during labour.