Peripartum Concentrations of Beta Endorphin and Cortisol and Maternal Mood States

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Abstract
Summary: Nineteen women were studied before, during and after labour by assessment of their mood using a variety of psychological tests and by measurement of their plasma concentrations of beta‐endorphin and Cortisol. Beta‐endorphin and Cortisol concentrations rose markedly during labour and were influenced by the type of analgesia used. A deterioration in cognitive performance between days 2 and 4 postpartum correlated positively with the fall in beta‐endorphin concentrations from those in labour to those on the fourth day postpartum. The women were more anxious and depressed at 38 weeks' gestation than on days 1–4 postpartum and the elevation of mood on day 2 postpartum correlated with a measure of depression 8 weeks later. It is postulated that the phenomenon of postpartum blues is a reaction to the euphoria of delivery which in turn is a response to endorphin release during labour. Whilst these changes may have a role in promoting maternal‐infant attachment it is at the expense of maternal depression some weeks later.

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