Cesarean section delivery and vaginal delivery lead to different hormonal exposures that may affect a newborn’s development, according to an article published in the Journal of Neuroendocrinology.
The article notes that levels of each of the ‘birth signaling hormones’—oxytocin, arginine vasopressin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and the glucocorticoids—are lower following cesarean delivery compared with vaginal delivery. These hormones may play various roles in helping an infant adapt following birth, and alterations in their levels in early life can result in long-term neurodevelopmental consequences.
“Given that nearly one-third of all births in the U.S. currently occur via cesarean delivery, it's important that we try to understand whether the well-established epidemiological associations between cesarean delivery and various neurodevelopmental outcomes—such as higher rates of autism and obesity—are due to changes in these important hormones during the sensitive period that is birth,” said author William Kenkel, PhD, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Delaware.
Additional Information
Link to Study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jne.12912
About the Journal
Journal of Neuroendocrinology provides the principal international focus for the newest ideas in classical neuroendocrinology and its expanding interface with the regulation of behavioural, cognitive, developmental, degenerative and metabolic processes. Through the rapid publication of original manuscripts and provocative review articles, it provides essential reading for basic scientists and clinicians researching in this rapidly expanding field.
About Wiley
Wiley drives the world forward with research and education. Through publishing, platforms and services, we help students, researchers, universities, and corporations to achieve their goals in an ever-changing world. For more than 200 years, we have delivered consistent performance to all of our stakeholders. The Company's website can be accessed at www.wiley.com.