Pattern of prolactin secretion after normal vaginal delivery and in cesarean delivery

Abstract

Prolactin (PRL) is hormone of multiple biological actions and is best known for its role in milk production. This hospital-based study was undertaken to review the impact of PRL hormone in vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery. Our study is meant to create awareness in the society to promote breast feeding and the importance of promoting normal vaginal delivery whenever possible. In this study, we investigated the serum PRL values using enzyme-linked immunoflow assay method in 101 women who underwent normal (56) and cesarean delivery (45) in obstetrics and gynecology department of Kannur Medical College, Anjarakandy. Serum PRL at 24 and 48 hours blood sample was estimated among the two groups, mean PRL in vaginal delivery 24 hours 359.46 ± 119.70 ng/ml, 48 hours 386.67 ± 135.66 ng/ml and in cesarean delivery 24 hours 245.49 ± 115.49 ng/ml, 48 hours 282.92 ± 69.59 ng/ml. The values of serum PRL are found to be significantly higher in the vaginal delivery group (p <0.001) as compared with the cesarean section group. Through this study, we concluded that the mothers who delivered by cesarean section had decreased PRL levels than the women who delivered vaginally which may have a significant role in establishment of breastfeeding.