A Preliminary Study of Correlates of Premature Birth and Their Influence on Cortisol Levels in Young Children.

Sophia KloosterboerFabiënne Bertina Anolda NaberHiltje HeymanAngelique Hoffmann-HaringsmaTibor Markus Bunt

Published in: Biological research for nursing (2023)

Birth delivery route by C-section is associated with lowered (or flattened) cortisol levels in children born prematurely. This is clinically relevant and might have important implications, because an HPA-axis disturbance might lead to developmental problems later on in life. However, future research is necessary to investigate the underlying indications for performing a C-section, which will help to understand factors that influence the HPA-axis development in children born prematurely.

Keyphrases

gestational age
young adults
low birth weight
mental health
preterm birth
current status
preterm infants