Oxytocin, a hormone associated with love, plays a critical role in pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, significantly affecting mothers' psychological, emotional, and behavioural health. This bonding hormone makes mothers feel a sense of warmth and attachment to their baby. It also influences mothers' stress response, bonding, breastfeeding, building trust, and helping the brain identify their baby
Oxytocin During Pregnancy
Oxytocin plays multiple roles during pregnancy by influencing maternal adaptation, foetal growth, and labour timing. During pregnancy, oxytocin levels increase, peak at labour, and then fall in the postpartum period. Uterine oxytocin receptors increase at the end of pregnancy.
- A poor diet or restricted nutrition can impact oxytocin enhancement, potentially hindering foetal growth.
- Oxytocin influences uterine blood flow and maternal cardiac function.
- It helps in maintaining placental nutrients and oxygen exchange
Oxytocin And Labour
Oxytocin peaks at labour and initiates and progresses labour contractions. As labour approaches, the cervix stretches and releases oxytocin, which leads to stronger contractions. An immediate surge of oxytocin helps activate the receptor, synthesise prostaglandin, and sustain uterine contractions.
If labour doesn't start naturally, to strengthen the contraction, doctors use oxytocin in the form of syntocinon and pitocin. This enhances the delivery process and reduces postpartum haemorrhage (heavy bleeding).
- The foetus’s head, which pushes against the cervix, starts stretching and sends signals to the hypothalamus, which triggers oxytocin release to the bloodstream during contractions.
- Oxytocin also triggers prostaglandins, which promote softening and dilation of the cervix for baby release.
- Foetal head’s mechanical stretching of the cervix is a type of positive feedback loop, which is called the Ferguson reflex(1).
- This reflex triggers the release of more oxytocin, especially during labour, to facilitate strong contractions.
Oxytocin’s Role in Postpartum
Pregnancy hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone, are dramatically reduced after delivery, and oxytocin remains to promote milk supply and letdown. Oxytocin influences the development of both the mother's and baby's bones, milk ejection, and maternal mental states.
- Oxytocin released during and after delivery helps facilitate bonding and empathy, which, in turn, enhances maternal sensitivity and attachment between the mother and infant.
- Oxytocin is released in pulses during breastfeeding, which contracts the myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli and helps initiate milk letdown.
- Double pumping or manual breast stimulation also increases oxytocin release, enhancing lactation efficiency.
- Oxytocin released during mechanical breast pumping also reduces maternal stress.
- Mother’s instinct to groom, nurse, and protect the baby is triggered by oxytocin.
How to Trigger Oxytocin Naturally
- Physical contact, such as skin-to-skin contact, hugging, cuddling, and holding hands, triggers the release of oxytocin and enhances maternal-infant bonding. Skin-to-skin contact between mother and infant regulates the baby's body temperature and heart rate.
- Massage therapy can help promote the release of oxytocin while reducing cortisol levels. Gentle stroking and prenatal massage help relieve muscle tension and alleviate pregnancy symptoms.
- Making eye contact activates the visual cortex, which fosters emotional connection and trust, thereby stimulating the release of oxytocin.
- Interacting with pets, such as stroking and cuddling them, triggers the production of oxytocin. Pets naturally help reduce cortisol levels and regulate emotions, while also promoting social attachment.
- Breathing exercises, mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation help in regulating emotional processing, leading to the release of oxytocin.
- Social activities, such as sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and participating in community events, promote connections, trust, and warmth. This creates a positive feedback loop which controls oxytocin.
- Uplifting music also influences mood and triggers the release of oxytocin. Happy and empowering music regulates brainwave patterns.
- Hearty laughter reduces fear and social anxiety, promoting the release of oxytocin, a hormone that fosters feelings of trust and connection.
- Supportive environment boosts oxytocin. Encouraging family rituals, engaging in meaningful conversations, eating together, and watching movies together promote emotional stability and resilience, which in turn fosters oxytocin release.
While oxytocin is often referred to as the hormone of attachment, excessive release is considered a warning sign. Overshoot of oxytocin may increase mood disturbances and sensitivity. High oxytocin can result in an overactive uterus, while lower oxytocin levels may prevent milk ejection and are linked to autism spectrum disorder.
Oxytocin is an important hormone that induces your response to the baby and helps you learn the baby's cues. Oxytocin release during pregnancy and postpartum increases emotional safety and trust. In addition to helping mothers and infants, it also fosters intimacy between couples. If you constantly find yourself forgiving your partner and resolving conflicts, it might be because of oxytocin.
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FAQs on Let Us Understand How Oxytocin “The Love Hormone” Works During Pregnancy And Postpartum
- What are the side effects of oxytocin on a foetus?
Oxytocin peaks during labour to strengthen and sustain contractions. Overcontraction may reduce blood and oxygen supply to the foetus. - How fast do you dilate with oxytocin?
Depending on the stage of labour, cervical dilation takes time. The early stages of labour can take up to 10 hours to dilate 1 cm, and as contractions become established, the cervix dilates over a few hours. - How do you feel when oxytocin is released?
The release of oxytocin is associated with happiness, joy, increased trust, relaxation, and a reduction in stress and anxiety.
