CSF/Serum Biomarkers in Predicting PND/Persistent Pain After Cesarean

The aim is to investigate if inflammatory biomarkers in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are associated with the development of perinatal depression and/or persistent pain after cesarean delivery. This study will obtain CSF and blood samples in 70 parturients. All parturients will be assessed for perinatal depression and persistent pain, and the presence/absence of these outcomes will be correlated to changes in the inflammatory biomarkers within the samples collected. If present, consistent changes in biomarkers correlating with perinatal depression or persistent pain may be utilised as a predictive tool and facilitate early treatment for these conditions.