['Our aim was to investigate the levels of hepcidin at parturition and 3\u2003days after delivery and to relate hepcidin levels to parameters of iron homeostasis.', 'We measured hepcidin levels with mass spectrometry in serum samples of 38 term pregnant women taken just prior to and 3\u2003days after vaginal delivery (n\u2003=\u200323) or cesarean section (CS) (n\u2003=\u200315). Hepcidin levels were related to iron homeostasis parameters and interleukin (IL)-6 levels. Parameters measured before and after delivery were compared with the Wilcoxon test.', 'Serum iron levels (median, interquartile range) decreased (14.3, 9.6-21.1 vs. 8.9, 6.8-11.5\u2003µmol/L, P\u2003<\u20030.01), while hepcidin levels increased (2.73, 2.2-3.45 vs. 10.62, 6.70-15.89\u2003µg/L, P\u2003<\u20030.01) by the third day after parturition compared to those measured before delivery. IL-6 levels were comparable before and after delivery. No direct association between serum hepcidin and iron homeostasis parameters or IL-6 levels was found.'] Are serum maternal hepcidin levels 3 days after delivery higher compared to those measured at parturition?