Open AccessElevation of oxytocin levels early post partum in women
Author(s) -
Nissen Eva,
Lilja Gunilla,
Widström AnnMarie,
UvnásMoberg Kerstin
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016349509024384
Subject(s) - oxytocin , medicine , post partum , pregnancy , obstetrics , vaginal delivery , endocrinology , biology , genetics
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.