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It facilitates pregnancy
Oxytocin works even before fertilization. Under the effect of contact and caresses, his rate climbs! This hormone participates in the ejection of sperm and contractions that facilitate the rise of sperm. This decisive role played during intercourse earned him the title oflove hormone. Slightly exaggerated trophy, because happiness is not limited to a hormonal shoot!
Oxytocin remains discreet during the first weeks of pregnancy, to the benefit of progesterone, hormone that prevents the onset of premature contractions.
Clear but effective, it circulates in sufficient quantity to facilitate the absorption of nutrients in the mother-to-be.
His reputation of hwelfare ormone is not usurped, at all important times of the day. It helps pregnant women get to sleep. Without forgetting to lower their levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
It stimulates the contractions of the uterus
His rate is going crescendo near childbirth. It is she who informs the fetus of the imminence of the D-day. Helped by this hormonal messenger, the mother preparing her unborn baby, very shortly before the start of labor. The placenta comes as a reinforcement, by secreting other hormones which will give the starting signal. It is no coincidence that the etymology of oxytocin, inspired by the Greek, means “rapid delivery”. Indeed, it is essential for move the baby towards the exit ; for this, it attaches to the receptors of the muscle cells of the uterus, causing the contractions necessary for the advancement of the job and speeding up childbirth. When the cervix reaches 10 cm of dilation (that is to say, its full opening), it then spouts out in large quantities.
Discovered in 1954, this gifted hormone does not stop at stimulating contractions …
And after childbirth, what is its role?
Maximum at the time of birth, oxytocin also facilitates ejection reflex of the placenta. Under the effect of the contractions, she allows the uterus to retract after delivery, which reduces the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. If oxytocin does not directly control milk production, it mobilizes again to facilitate breastfeeding : when the newborn suckles the breast, the hormone promotes the contraction of the cells which surround the alveoli of the mammary glands, pushing the reflex of ejection of milk.
Shortly after birth, the exchange between mother and child inaugurates their emotional bond. Caressed, touched, the baby develops more receptors for oxytocin. The maternal voice that consoles would even be able to activate the hormone … Sacred oxytocin, we love it!
3 questions to Yéhézkel Ben Ari, on the powers of oxytocin
Is Oxytocin the Magic Hormone of the Mother-Child Bond? Oxytocin is proven to play an important role in the attachment between a mother, father and baby. When the couple takes more care of the newborn, the newborn will develop more oxytocin receptors. Even though there is no such thing as a miracle molecule, today the attachment function of oxytocin is enhanced by studies. It is no coincidence that attention, one of the major problems of autistic children, is improved by this hormone.
Many women are given the synthetic hormone as an infusion to stimulate contractions.What do you think ? An American study paradoxically shows that the administration of oxytocin to induce labor increases the incidence of autism without knowing what the underlying mechanisms are, perhaps the large doses of oxytocin administered cause desensitization of receptors and therefore a reduction in their actions …
How does natural oxytocin facilitate the baby’s experience during childbirth? The hormone acts as an analgesic agent on the fetus. Oxytocin influences the nerve cells of the unborn baby by making them less active, and less sensitive to periods of lack of oxygen.