Association between Umbilical Cord Blood Cortisol and Maternal Cortisol during Pregnancy

Several preclinical and clinical studies suggest that maternal psychosocial stress and anxiety during pregnancy may have persistent consequences for the long-term health of the offspring. The aim of our study was to evaluate possible associations between maternal cortisol levels, gestational age, baby’s birth weight and umbilical cord blood cortisol concentration. 145 women who attended the Obstetrics’ Service, Hospital de Clinicas “José de San Martín”, at the time of delivery, were included in this study. The population was divided into two groups: group 1 was constituted by 89 healthy women (26.5 ± 7.0 years) while group 2 was made up of 56 women (29 ± 7.8 years) who presented different pathologies. Total population was also divided according to the type of birth (cesarean section or vaginal). Group 2 was divided considering baby’s APGAR 5/10 score and birth weight. Cortisol was measured by a chemoluminiscent method (Immulite 2000 Siemens). Umbilical cord blood cortisol concentration correlated with pregnancy week (r=0.451, p=0.0001), birth weight (r=0.284, p=0.010) and maternal cortisol concentration; (r=0.424, p=0.0001). After dividing the population according to the type of birth, significant differences were found in umbilical cord blood cortisol concentration (p=0.003), pregnancy week (p=0.0001) and birth weight, (p=0.002), were found. A linear regression analysis was performed showing that maternal cortisol and pregnancy week were associated with umbilical cord blood cortisol concentrations (F=6.502, p=0.004) even after adjusting for birth weight. The correlation found between maternal cortisol and umbilical cord blood cortisol levels could be related to a probable fetal programming of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.