Catecholamine secretion in fetal adaptation to stress.
From the beginning of labor, the fetus must successfully adapt from intrauterine life to the stress of birth and, finally, to extrauterine life. The role of hormones known as catecholamines in this adaptive mechanism is described. An understanding of the physiology of catecholamine secretion will enhance the nursing care of mothers and their infants during this important transitional period.
Copper
R L
RL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama, Birmingham 35294.
Goldenberg
R L
RL
D000220:Adaptation, Biological; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000503:physiopathology*
D009638:Norepinephrine; D004837:Epinephrine