Abstract
ObjectivesThis pilot study aimed to 1) follow the longitudinal changes in the salivary oxytocin level of pregnant women from late pregnancy to early postpartum, 2) examine the factors related to these changes, and 3) clarify the association of these changes with mother-infant bonding.MethodsThis study used a longitudinal observational design and questionnaires to obtain objective and subjective data. For oxytocin evaluation, saliva samples were collected and their oxytocin levels were measured at 4-time points [i.e., 1) 36–37 gestation weeks, 2) 38–39 gestation weeks, 3) 1–2 days postpartum, 4) 4–5 days postpartum]. The oxytocin level was assayed in duplicates by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Baseline data were evaluated using the Parental Bonding Instrument (25 items), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (20 items), and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Postpartum data were evaluated using the Mother to Infant Bonding Scale Japanese Version (10 items), Maternity Blues Scale (13 items), and ‘Fatigue after Childbirth’ using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS: 0–100 mm).ResultsThe participants were 13 primiparas with a mean age of 33 years. They had no depression or anxiety at the baseline. Their mean salivary oxytocin levels significantly increased from late pregnancy (36–39 gestation weeks) up to 1 day postpartum and then decreased until 5 days postpartum. There was a negligible correlation between the bonding disorder and the salivary oxytocin level on the 5th day after childbirth. A moderate correlation was observed between the maternity blues score and the salivary oxytocin level. There was a significant negative correlation between the postpartum fatigue and the salivary oxytocin level 1 day and 5 days after childbirth.ConclusionThe mean salivary oxytocin levels significantly increased from the baseline up to 1 day postpartum and then decreased until 5 days postpartum. The salivary oxytocin level was moderately associated with maternity blues and significantly with postpartum fatigue.
Highlights
Elevated oxytocin levels during pregnancy have been shown to be associated with child rearing behavior, mother-infant bonding [1], and depletions with postpartum depression [2]
The participants were 13 primiparas with a mean age of 33 years. They had no depression or anxiety at the baseline. Their mean salivary oxytocin levels significantly increased from late pregnancy (36–39 gestation weeks) up to 1 day postpartum and decreased until 5 days postpartum
There was a negligible correlation between the bonding disorder and the salivary oxytocin level on the 5th day after childbirth
Summary
Elevated oxytocin levels during pregnancy have been shown to be associated with child rearing behavior, mother-infant bonding [1], and depletions with postpartum depression [2]. Epidural anesthesia and exogenous oxytocin used for inducing labor have a tendency to depress endogenous oxytocin and have been associated with mother-infant bonding interference and mothers’ depressed mood [3, 4, 5, 6]. In Japan, the rate of induced labor and labor promotion is 23.8%, and the proportion of Japanese women who receive synthetic oxytocin is 20% [7]. Special attention should be given to establishing support for the development and maintenance of healthy levels of endogenous oxytocin among women who are bearing children
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