Peripartum β-endorphin levels across various labour and delivery trajectories: An observational study
R Sripriya, Namburu Jyotsna, Desai V. Sripad, V Sharmila, Vandana Kamatham, Raza Shabuddin GouriABSTRACT
Background and Aims:
Labour pain is considered a key stimulus for the release of β-endorphins in parturients. This study aimed to evaluate differences in maternal serum β-endorphin levels in response to varying pain intensities across different delivery trajectories: caesarean delivery without labour pain, caesarean delivery following the onset of labour pain, and vaginal delivery.
Methods:
Serum β-endorphin levels were measured in 60 parturients: 20 undergoing caesarean delivery without labour pain (Group CD-NL), 20 undergoing caesarean delivery following the onset of labour pain (Group CD-L), and 20 undergoing vaginal delivery (Group VD) at four time points: pre-labour (S1), immediately postpartum (S2), and at 30 minutes (S3) and 60 minutes (S4) following delivery. β-endorphin levels were compared between groups. The temporal trends within each group were analysed. Labour pain in Group VD and Group CD-L was assessed using an 11-point numeric rating scale and correlated with β-endorphin levels at S2.
Results:
Of the 120 participants screened, 60 completed the study. Kruskal–Wallis test demonstrated no significant differences in β-endorphin levels among the three groups at S2, S3, and S4 (
Conclusion:
Peripartum serum β-endorphin levels were not influenced by labour pain intensity across various delivery trajectories in the study population.