| Abstract: | The purpose of this study was to investigate cortisol levels in the circulation of neonates following spontaneous onset of labor. There was no significant difference of values between primigravidas and multigravidas, male and female babies, or normal and preeclamptic pregnancies. There was no significant change in mean cord plasma cortisol values with advancing gestational age, after the 33rd week. It is conceivable that spontaneous labor in humans may be preceded by a release of cortisol into the fetal circulation, and when a critical "parturient" level is reached labor becomes established. |
