beta-endorphin and Labor-Pain

Labour and modes of delivery can influence the plasma levels of stress hormones and cytokines involved in pathophysiologic cascade, potentially damaging brain development of the newborn. This prospective observational, single-centre, case-control, non-profit study aimed to detect potential differences in foetal well-being such as stress neuroendocrine responses. Quantitative determinations of the stress markers interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, and β-endorphin were compared between the control group and the epidural analgesia group. We found higher IL1-β levels but lower IL-8 and β-endorphin levels in the epidural analgesia group than in the control group. No significant inter-group differences were observed for any parameters. Our findings demonstrate that epidural analgesia for pain relief during labour does not result in significant differences in blood stress response markers.IMPACT STATEMENT

Topics: Adult; Analgesia, Epidural; Analgesia, Obstetrical; beta-Endorphin; Case-Control Studies; Female; Fetal Blood; Fetal Distress; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Interleukin-1beta; Interleukin-8; Labor Pain; Male; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies

The interactions of the hormones of pregnancy, labour and birth are complex and subtle and their effects are far reaching. Within these complex interactions beta endorphin (beta-end) has a key balancing function, being a hormone of relationship and a stress hormone. As well as helping the mother cope with labour, beta-end enhances relationships with the newborn and the initiation of breastfeeding. Both too much endorphin and too little can create problems in labour. Optimising endorphin levels is therefore more complex than simply enhancing them and calls for midwifery skills to relieve fear so that women feel safe.

Topics: Adult; beta-Endorphin; Female; Humans; Labor Pain; Labor, Obstetric; Midwifery; Natural Childbirth; Pregnancy; Women's Health; Young Adult

Beta-endorphins are endogenous opioid substances produced by the pituitary gland and placenta. The aims of this project were to longitudinally follow plasma levels of beta-endorphin during pregnancy in women with a healthy pregnancy and to investigate whether plasma levels of beta-endorphin in late pregnancy are associated with need for additional pain medication beyond nitrous oxide during labor. Plasma samples from 45 women were collected at gestational weeks 10, 25, 28, 33 and 37, and beta-endorphin was analyzed by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Plasma levels of beta-endorphin displayed a significant decrease in gestational weeks 28 and 33 compared to week 10, followed by a subsequent increase between gestational weeks 28 and 37. However, there was no change in levels of beta-endorphin between gestational weeks 10 and 37. Low levels of beta-endorphin at the end of pregnancy were associated with need for additional pain medication beyond nitrous oxide during labor, although the causal relationship is unclear.

Topics: Adult; Analgesia, Obstetrical; Analgesics; beta-Endorphin; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Labor Pain; Labor, Obstetric; Longitudinal Studies; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimesters

The aim of this study was to test for an analgesic effect of exercise during labor.. 50 women in labor exercised continuously with moderate intensity on a bicycle ergometer for 20 minutes. During rest and exercise, they rated their pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Venous blood was sampled for beta-endorphin, cortisol and catecholamines during rest and directly after exercise.. 84 percent of the women perceived uterine contractions during exercise as less painful than at rest. 76.2 percent objectified the pain relief by a reduction in VAS units 1.67 +/- 1.01. Beta-endorphin levels were much higher after exercise than at rest (P < 0.001). During exercise the fetal heart rate rose slightly within the reference range. Uterine contractions were more frequent during and after exercise than at rest (P < 0.05).. Exercising on a bicycle ergometer during labor seems to be safe for the fetus, a stimulus to uterine contractions, and a source of analgesia, possibly due to the release of beta-endorphin.

Topics: Analgesia; Apgar Score; beta-Endorphin; Butylscopolammonium Bromide; Cardiotocography; Exercise; Exercise Test; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Labor Pain; Male; Oxytocin; Pain Measurement; Parasympatholytics; Pregnancy; Treatment Outcome