Investigating the Factors Related to the Concentration of Umbilical Cord Blood -Endorphins in Newborns Born of Primiparous Women

Background: The body’s strategy for coping with pain and stress in the delivery process is the secretion of opioid peptides, including β-endorphins. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors related to the concentration of umbilical cord blood β -endorphins in newborns born of primiparous women. Methods: In this descriptive study, 80 umbilical cord blood samples from neonates of primipara pregnant women were collected in 2 groups of 40 eligible elective cesarean section and normal delivery with gestational age of 38 to 42 weeks, single and low risk, 1 to 2 minutes postpartum, and β-endorphin concentration. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was measured using ELISA kit. Data was analyzed by T-test, Chi-square, Analysis of variance and regression using SPSS 18 software. Results: The mean of cord blood β-endorphins in normal delivery and cesarean section was 38±27.47 and 11.11±19.59 ng/l, respectively. There was a significant difference between the results of the two groups (P=0.03). Exercise during pregnancy was related to β-endorphin secretion (P<0.05), while gestational age, pain reduction methods, duration of the first and second stages of labor, duration of the infusion, and weight of the newborn did not affect β endorphin secretion. Conclusion: Natural delivery can provide the normal function of the body for the mother, fetus and baby and on the other hand, control the risk factors of the mother and the baby and promote maternal and neonatal outcomes.