Premium
Intrapartum Synthetic Oxytocin and Its Effects on Maternal Well‐Being at 2 Months Postpartum
Author(s) -
Gu Vivian,
Feeley Nancy,
Gold Ian,
Hayton Barbara,
Robins Stephanie,
Mackin Anna,
Samuel Simcha,
Carter C. Sue,
Zelkowitz Phyllis
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
birth
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.233
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1523-536X
pISSN - 0730-7659
DOI - 10.1111/birt.12198
Subject(s) - oxytocin , obstetrics , medicine , pregnancy , psychology , endocrinology , biology , genetics
Background Synthetic oxytocin (synOT) is commonly used in labor management to induce and augment labor, and to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. However, its long‐term consequences for maternal health and behavior are largely understudied. We examined the relationship between synOT and maternal oxytocin levels, breastfeeding, and maternal mental health at 2 months postpartum. Methods Women were recruited during pregnancy or within 48 hours of giving birth through obstetric practices and hospitals. A total of 386 women were visited in their homes at 2 months postpartum, where they completed questionnaires assessing breastfeeding, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and somatization. Oxytocin levels were obtained from blood samples and synOT dosage information was gathered from hospital charts. Results Intrapartum synOT dose was positively correlated with endogenous oxytocin levels at 2 months postpartum. Women who were exclusively breastfeeding at 2 months postpartum had received significantly less synOT compared with their nonexclusively breastfeeding counterparts. Higher synOT dose was associated with greater depressive, anxious, and somatization symptoms. SynOT dose was not associated with perinatal posttraumatic stress. Conclusions The widespread use of synOT in managed labor warrants caution, as the influence of synOT on a new mother's well‐being is evident at 2 months postpartum.