Low levels of the hormone oxytocin in the last trimester of pregnancy contribute to the development of postpartum depression, Swiss scientists report in the Neuropsychopharmacology journal.
A careful study of this mechanism in the future will help prevent a difficult ailment for some new mums.
Postnatal depression affects about one-fifth of young mothers and has very serious negative consequences for both the mother and her newborn baby. Unfortunately, little is known about the causes of this type of depression.
Gunther Meinlschmidt and colleagues from the University of Basel investigated the relationship between the occurrence of postpartum depression symptoms and the level of oxytocin – an important pregnancy hormone involved in termination of pregnancy, the course of childbirth, lactation and the creation of an emotional bond between mother and newborn.
The researchers examined blood samples obtained from 74 healthy pregnant women. They found that low levels of oxytocin in the third trimester of pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of developing postpartum depression within two weeks of delivery.
The finding confirms previous observations linking oxytocin to depression and the stress response. The authors of the study emphasize, however, that the research results are preliminary and the exact cause-and-effect relationship between oxytocin and postpartum depression requires further research. (PAP)