Summary
We examined the 24 hour plasma profiles of prolactin and β-hCG in 7 women with preterm
labour between the 30th and 34th week of gestation. The results showed that, despite
preterm labour, the circadian rhythm of prolactin was maintained. The β-hCG levels
showed a wide scattering in the normal range which is also characteristic of pregnancy
with no complications. In addition we examined the prolactin and β-hCG levels during
the last 6 hours preceding delivery. Here we found significant higher hormone concentrations
of hCG in the mothers delivered of female babies than in the mothers of males. This
higher hormone level declined continuously during the delivery, however, without significance.
We also observed concordant secretion patterns of prolactin and β-hCG in these cases.
Normal hCG and prolactin values were found in mothers delivered of male babies.
Key words
Prolactin - β-hCG - Preterm Labour - Term Birth
