Results
The neonatal levels of inflammatory and stress-markers were
significantly lower, while the levels of growth factors were higher
after pre-labour caesarean section compared to vaginal delivery. The
biomarker levels were similar after in-labour caesarean section and
vaginal delivery. Males had generally higher levels of inflammation and
lower levels of growth and neurotrophic factors. Overall, the levels of
inflammatory markers increased, and the growth factors decreased with
increasing gestational age.