ELEVATION OF OXYTOCIN LEVELS EARLY POST-PARTUM IN WOMEN

Bnckground. The aim of this study was to determine plasma levels of ox ytocin in women immediately after delivery. Methods. Oxytocin was meas ured in 18 healthy women at 15 minute intervals after normal vaginal d eliveries with healthy infants. The mothers had their infants put skin -to-skin on their chests immediately after birth, The infants stayed t here up to two hours post partum. Results. There were significant elev ations 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 s ampled approximately 7-15 minutes before partus. This elevation of oxy tocin coincided with the expulsion of placenta. In most women this fir st elevation was followed by repeated elevations of oxytocin. Oxytocin levels returned to pre partum levels at 60 minutes post partum. Concl usions. Oxytocin is known to play a role in maternal bonding in animal s. Earlier studies indicate that there is a sensitive period for bondi ng the first hour after giving birth even in women. Our study demonstr ates a coincidence of this putative 'sensitive period' and high levels of oxytocin.