Serum Cortisol Levels in Pregnancy and Six Weeks Post-Partum

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate serum cortisol levels during the trimesters of pregnancy and six weeks post-partum. 25 healthy women between the age range of 21 and 35 were recruited for this study. They were divided into five groups (n=5), (group 1: control; group 2: 1^st trimester; group 3: 2^rd trimester; group 4: 3^rd trimester; group 5: Postpartum). Blood samples were collected from the subjects and serum Cortisol level was estimated using a commercially prepared ELISA kit. Results were analysed and a p-value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The Results from this study showed an increase in serum cortisol levels in the three trimester of pregnancy, but only the 3^rd trimesters was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the control, 1^st and 2^nd trimesters and post-partum groups. The serum cortisol level in the post-partum group was significantly decreased compared to the 3^rd trimester of pregnancy. Conclusively, serum cortisol level was observed to increase mainly in the 3^rd trimester of pregnancy and reduced during post-partum period.