Do babies delivered through C-section also have stress hormones?

Yes, but the quantity is usually less. The highest concentration is generally observed only during delivery.

Is it possible for your stress to get into your baby's stress hormones?

Sometimes it does, but only when the stress is very high and prolonged. This is why sleeping, seeking emotional support, and practising relaxation are critical.

How long does it take for stress hormones to get back to normal after birth?

In most cases, hormonal levels return to normal within a few hours to a couple of days as your newborn acquires a new life outside the womb.

Why Babies Release Stress Hormones Before Labour

When you think about labour, the mother's physical and emotional experiences are usually the focus. However, the baby also prepares for the intense journey into the outside world. In the last weeks and days before giving birth, the baby begins to release stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine. These hormones are recognised as a part of the baby's natural survival process.

What Are Stress Hormones, And What Makes Them Significant?

Stress hormones are like supporting actors in several major functions in the baby's body. They rise naturally as labour approaches.

To put it simply, your baby's body will get rid of:

Cortisol - the main function of which is to aid in the maturing process of the lungs and to make the body ready to control its temperature after birth
Adrenaline and Noradrenaline - these hormones are human energy boosters and are mainly directed to the physical requirements of labour and the first minute or so after childbirth

Research has observed that cortisol levels in newborns rise sharply, sometimes even three to five times, just before the onset of labour. This abrupt increase indicates that your baby is preparing for the transition to the outside environment.

Why Does Your Baby Release Stress Hormones Before Labour?

1. To Facilitate Lung Development and Breathing
During the time your baby is in your womb, the oxygen they get is through the placenta. They do not inhale air until after they are born. Cortisol aids in the preparation of the lungs by:

Helping the lungs mature
Fluid clearance from the lungs
Preparation of the body for the first breath

Without this natural hormone surge, breathing after birth would be more difficult.

2. To Help Your Baby Manage Body Temperature
After birth, your baby must stabilise their own temperature. Stress hormones help your baby:

Produce heat
Employ stored energy
Acclimatise to the sudden temperature change

It represents a major shift from the warm, stable womb environment.

3. To Support Brain Development and Alertness
Cortisol also supports final brain development. This enables your baby to:

Watch out for post-delivery
Recognise your voice
Start bonding
Learn to feed

As labour approaches, your baby becomes more responsive.

How do the Stress Hormones Support a Safe Labour Process?

1. Giving Your Baby Strength to Birth

Labour can be physically demanding for your baby. Increased adrenaline provides the energy needed to move through the birth canal and tolerate contractions. This hormone also helps your baby stay alert immediately after birth.
2. Helping with Changes in Heart and Circulation

Before birth, your baby's heart and circulation work differently compared to after birth. Stress hormones help direct blood to vital organs such as the heart and brain. This protects your baby throughout labour.

In natural amounts, these hormones are not harmful. They are essential for your baby's survival and healthy transition. They become a concern only when:

Labour starts too early
Labour is very slow
There are medical complications

In these situations, your doctor may be monitoring your baby more closely. For most pregnancies, however, this hormonal release is not only safe but necessary.

What Can You Expect About Yourself During This Period?

Even though these hormonal changes happen inside your baby, you may recognise a few signs, such as:

More pronounced foetal movement
Stronger Braxton Hicks contractions or more frequent ones
A feeling of heaviness or tightness in your lower back
A sudden spurt of energy, sometimes referred to as the "nesting instinct"

These are hints that your baby is also getting ready for labour.

When Should You Speak to a Doctor?

While your baby's hormonal preparation is natural, you should contact your doctor if you notice:

Reduced foetal movements
Severe or persistent abdominal pain
Vaginal bleeding
Symptoms of high blood pressure include headache and blurred vision
Fluid leakage before 37 weeks
Any signs of possible premature labour

How You Can Support Your Baby's Natural Labour Preparation

You can help your baby's physical and hormonal readiness with a few simple habits:

Sleep Tight - Sleep helps keep your hormones in balance and keeps your body relaxed
Deep Breathing Practice - Relaxed breathing techniques reduce tension and support a calm environment for your baby
Nutritional Meals Are A Must - Healthy foods that provide protein, iron, calcium, and good fats support the baby's development
Hydration Is Important - Plaques maintain blood circulation to the placenta
Regular Check-Up - This is the way, and the doctor can monitor the baby's growth and height, as well as the time of delivery

What Can You Do? A Simple Checklist

Below is a list of things to do that will keep you prepared:

Monitor your baby's movements daily
Prepare your hospital bag in advance
Interact with your partner and doctor about the birth plan
Exercise, breathing, and relaxation at home
Have emergency contacts close by
Tell your partner or support group about your feelings

These measures help one to be ready in both emotional and physical aspects.

Emotional and Social Support: Staying Confident and Connected

Nervousness, excitement, or confusion are common feelings as labour time draws nearer. Knowing what your baby is experiencing might help with bonding.
You may find it useful to:

Share your thoughts with your partner
Ask for assistance with daily living activities
Attend appointments together
Stay connected to family or support groups
A midwife or therapist can be visited if you are feeling very stressed

Social support helps one remain calm and reassured during the countdown to the due date.

Overall, it is the baby that releases stress hormones before labour, and this is a natural and vital process. The hormones increase breathing, temperature control, and alertness, plus they ensure the newborn is ready for birth. If you understand this process, you become more confident, spiritually connected, and better prepared.

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on Why Babies Release Stress Hormones Before Labour

Do babies delivered through C-section also have stress hormones?
Yes, but the quantity is usually less. The highest concentration is generally observed only during delivery.
Is it possible for your stress to get into your baby's stress hormones?
Sometimes it does, but only when the stress is very high and prolonged. This is why sleeping, seeking emotional support, and practising relaxation are critical.
How long does it take for stress hormones to get back to normal after birth?
In most cases, hormonal levels return to normal within a few hours to a couple of days as your newborn acquires a new life outside the womb.