Baby has its own internal clock

This hormone produced by the adrenal glands called cortisol. It plays an important role in the mechanisms to defend the body against stress. In adults, the production of cortisol follows a pace well defined maximum and minimum in the morning the night. The secretion of this hormone is controlled by a small gland in the brain, the pituitary gland.

Determinations of cortisol in the umbilical vessels revealed concentrations in babies beyond those of the mother. Thus, the difference between cortisol levels measured in the umbilical artery and vein suggested that the baby produced this hormone more readily between 8 am and 6 pm. Even before his birth, the fetus is capable of regulating itself the production of this hormone.

And if baby preparing his exit?

This synthesis of cortisol, which follows a different pace of the mother, could play a role in triggering uterine contractions, suggests Dr. Guillermo J.

According to him, this hormone could be a trigger signal. But scientists will continue their investigations to discover why the work period begins most often at dusk. Among the items to clarify how the concept of day and night is transmitted to the fetus through the mother? So many reasons for researchers not to rest on their laurels.