The pathophysiology of perinatal mental health: cortisol, utero- placental circulation, 11beta-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase

This research indicates that hypocortisolemia is linked to postpartum depression while hypercortisolemia is associated with transient depressive states. Furthermore, antenatal depression and anxiety may down-regulate the expression of 11β-HSD2 (an enzyme), resulting in greater in utero cortisol exposure. This research also found that maternal psychopathology may lower umbilical artery resistance.