To study the effect of mode of delivery on umbilical cord cortisol level.

Introduction: Cortisol is released in response to perinatal stress and pain. The mode of delivery results in specific amounts of cortisol in blood samples taken from the umbilical cord immediately at birth. Stress of cortisol may trigger HPA axis which may have percussions later in life as infants develop. Aims and Objectives: To study the response of umbilical blood cortisol and anthropometry in newborns with respect to mode of delivery that is Cesarean section (CS) and Vaginal delivery. Materials and Method:- The study was conducted between July 2014 and March 2015, written consent was obtained from 35 pregnant subjects at the time of admission to labor and delivery at the SKNMC and General Hospital Result:- A total of 35 new borns were studied , they were divided into two groups based on mode of delivery, vaginal delivery and section, There was no significant difference in anthropometry parameters like age, weight, head circumference, chest circumference, lenghth, abdominal circumference , however the levels of cortisol was more in vaginal delivery as compared with caesarean section.( P vakue 0.002) Conclusion:- Human fetus mounts a cortisol response during the partition and this response is highest during the section as compared to the vaginal delivery. The cortisol may trigger HPA axis which may have percussions in adult life.