Maternal-Fetal Circadian Communication During Pregnancy

Abstract

This article reviews evidence for maternal-fetal communication about the time of day. We explore the hypothesis that key maternal hormones synchronize daily rhythms in the fetus to regulate gestation duration. These findings may help to predict and prevent preterm birth.

Keywords: daily rhythm; dopamine; glucocorticoid; melatonin; parturition.

Figure 1

Schematic of hormone profiles over the course of the mouse pregnancy. Maternal hormones with a diurnal pattern are strong candidates for entraining fetal circadian rhythms and development. Hormone profiles throughout gestation have been measured (solid lines) or inferred (dashed lines) based on limited data (–36). Melatonin and corticosterone are the major maternal hormones known to have circadian rhythms during pregnancy although other humoral signals like progesterone and estrogen could play a role. Fetal hormones such as corticosterone can also show circadian patterning and contribute to normal gestation.