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Changes in Serum Growth Hormone and Cortisol among Pregnant Women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Pregnancy is associated with anatomic, physiological and metabolic adaptations to accommodate the fetus and prepare the mother for delivery. These adjustments are mediated by the hormonal influences of the placenta. The study is aimed at evaluating the pattern of changes of serum growth hormone and cortisol in normal pregnancy to access the possible effect of gestational age and parity on these parameters. Methods: A cross sectional study involving a total of 300 apparently healthy females (21-50yrs) with 200 and 100 pregnant females and non-pregnant controls respectively. The age of the subjects, last menstrual period, gestational age and parity were obtained using a simple questionnaire while the weight and height were obtained following standard protocols. Blood samples were obtained from the subjects and serum growth hormone and cortisol were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Results: Serum growth hormone was found to reduce in pregnant subjects compared to the non-pregnant control with the lowest decrease observed in the second trimester (p<0.05). Conversely, serum cortisol increased among pregnant subjects compared to the non-pregnant control, showing a gestational age-dependent increase (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that serum growth hormone and cortisol vary with gestational age with growth hormone decreasing while cortisol increases. The present study also highlights that parity appears not to have any influence on serum growth hormone and cortisol during normal pregnancy.