Hormonal changes and somatopsychologic manifestations in the first trimester of pregnancy and post partum

Abstract 

Objective

To investigate links between psychologic distress and levels of maternal hormones and cortisol during pregnancy and post partum.

Method

The study population of 308 pregnant or recently delivered women was divided into 4 equal groups, 3 representing each pregnancy trimester and the fourth one representing the first week of the postpartum period. The women were screened for psychological distress and had blood drawn to measure serum levels of estradiol, progesterone, and total cortisol on the same day.

Results

The rates of anxiety and depression were higher in the first trimester and the postpartum groups. Depression was correlated with sharp changes in estradiol and progesterone levels; anxiety was correlated with total cortisol level; and there was a correlation between depression and anxiety.

Conclusion

Sharp changes in maternal hormone levels were correlated with depression; depression was correlated with anxiety; and anxiety was correlated with elevated cortisol levels, which may adversely affect the health of mother and offspring. Measuring maternal hormones may be a diagnostic tool to evaluate psychologic stress and associated risks.

Keywords: Cortisol, Estradiol, Maternal hormones, Pregnancy trimester, Progesterone, Psychologic distress