Elevation of oxytocin levels early post partum in women

Eva Nissen · Gunilla Lilja · Ann‐Marie Widström · Kerstin Uvnäs‐Moberg

132 citations0/0 files storedActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica

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Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions Infant Health and Development

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine plasma levels of oxytocin in women immediately after delivery. METHODS: Oxytocin was measured in 18 healthy women at 15 minute intervals after normal vaginal deliveries with healthy infants. The mothers had their infants put skin-to-skin on their chests immediately after birth. The infants stayed there up to two hours post partum. RESULTS: There were significant elevations of oxytocin 15, 30 and 45 minutes after delivery (p = 0.007, 0.02 and 0.02 respectively) when compared with average pre partum levels sampled approximately 7-15 minutes before partus. This elevation of oxytocin coincided with the expulsion of placenta. In most women this first elevation was followed by repeated elevations of oxytocin. Oxytocin levels returned to pre partum levels at 60 minutes post partum. CONCLUSIONS: Oxytocin is known to play a role in maternal bonding in animals. Earlier studies indicate that there is a sensitive period for bonding the first hour after giving birth even in women. Our study demonstrates a coincidence of this putative 'sensitive period' and high levels of oxytocin.

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References

1979Induction of maternal behavior in virgin rats after intracerebroventricular administration of oxytocin 2008Intracerebroventricular Oxytocin Stimulates Maternal Behaviour in the Sheep 1983Vaginal Stimulation: An Important Determinant of Maternal Bonding in Sheep 1988Increased plasma levels of oxytocin in response to afferent electrical stimulation of the sciatic and vagal nerves and in response to touch and pinch in anaesthetized rats 1982Endogenous opiates regulate oxytocin but not vasopressin secretion from the neurohypophysis

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2020Neuroendocrine mechanisms involved in the physiological effects caused by skin-to-skin contact – With a particular focus on the oxytocinergic system 2018Menstrual cycle-related fluctuations in oxytocin concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis 1996Neuroendocrinology of the mother—child interaction 2023The physiology and pharmacology of oxytocin in labor and in the peripartum period 2016Oxytocin is associated with infant-care behavior and motivation in cooperatively breeding marmoset monkeys 2014Emotion and Mood Adaptations in the Peripartum Female: Complementary Contributions of GABA and Oxytocin 2014Neuroendocrinology of childbirth and mother–child attachment: The basis of an etiopathogenic model of perinatal neurobiological disorders

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