Early postpartum cortisol and malondialdehyde trajectories in non-depressed mothers: A pilot study in Surabaya, Indonesia
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Hinda Novianti
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4012-3721
Nety Mawarda Hatmanti
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8708-466X
Uliyatul Laili
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4754-6495
Ary Andini
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9952-3076
Norhaini Majid
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7696-3784
Abstract
The days immediately following childbirth are characterized by rapid biological and psychological changes. Stress and oxidative biomarkers cortisol and malondialdehyde (MDA) in particular have been implicated in postpartum mood disturbance. However, their early postpartum trajectories in healthy, non-depressed mothers, particularly in the Indonesia context, remain poorly documented. This pilot study therefore investigated changes in cortisol and MDA levels during the first three days postpartum women in Surabaya, Indonesia. A quantitative time-series study was conducted at the Surabaya, Indonesia. Thirty postpartum mothers were assessed on day 1 and day 3 after delivery. Serum cortisol and MDA levels were measured using ELISA and TBARS methods. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and analyzed as a continuous variable. Data were tested for normality and homogeneity, followed by paired comparisons and correlation analyses. No significant differences were observed in cortisol (p-value = 0.900) and MDA levels on day 1 and day 3 (p-value = 0.211). EPDS scores decreased from 9.80 ± 3.21 to 8.00 ± 4.46, but not statistically significant (p-value = 0.244). A significant moderate positive correlation was found between cortisol levels and EPDS scores on day 1 (r = 0.519; p-value = 0.003), but not on day 3. Meanwhile, no significant relationship was found between MDA and EPDS scores. Maintained cortisol and MDA levels after 3 days postpartum may reflect normal recovery patterns in mothers without depression. These findings provide a basic for further research and support the development of integrated psychosocial and biological screening strategies, in line with SDG 3 (Healthy Lives and Well-being).
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Copyright (c) 2026 Hinda Novianti, Nety Mawarda Hatmanti, Uliyatul Laili, Ary Andini, Norhaini Majid
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