Abstract
Introduction The multiphasic pattern of prolactin (PRL) secretion described during vaginal delivery has not been related to the PRL-inhibiting or -liberating factors that are already known. Objective To determine whether there is a correlation between blood PRL concentrations and pH in women with vaginal delivery compared with those undergoing cesarean delivery. Methods This study included 23 primiparous women, of whom 12 had a vaginal delivery and 11 underwent cesarean delivery. In all patients, seven blood pH and PRL determinations were performed, before and after delivery, from the beginning of the second stage of labor or surgery. Results pH and PRL levels differed between the two groups (p<0.05). In the cesarean delivery group, no changes in pH or PRL concentrations were observed. In the vaginal delivery group, PRL levels were higher 45 min after the onset of the second stage of labor and at delivery compared with initial values (p<0.05). Likewise, pH levels were lower 15 min after the onset of the second stage until 21 min after delivery (p<0.001). A strong correlation was found between pH and PRL at delivery and at 7 and 14 min after delivery (p<0.05). Discussion The results of this study confirm the existence of a biphasic PRL secreting pattern during the second stage of labor. This pattern correlates with the reduction in pH levels that occurs during this period.
Published Version
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