Effect of Delivery Method on Umbilical Cord Metabolomic Analysis

Birth type is closely linked to fetal and maternal stress responses. Previous studies have found higher levels of hormones associated with stress responses in mothers who delivered vaginally compared to those who delivered by cesarean section (C/S). Similarly, differences in markers assessing stress responses in newborns have been observed based on delivery method. However, the literature lacks sufficient studies on low-molecular-weight metabolites, which reveal the metabolic status of newborns.

Metabolomic profiling studies are introductory studies that provide comprehensive information about cell or organism metabolism. They contribute to research in many areas of medicine. In perinatology, metabolomic profiling studies have been conducted on topics such as neural tube defects, intrauterine growth restriction, and maternal diabetes. In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of delivery method on the stress response in newborns at the metabolite level.