Oxitocin deficiency at birth
A low oxytocin deficiency at birth results in the muscles of the uterus not contracting sufficiently. This can lead to serious bleeding during and after birth. To prevent this, the hospital obstetrics department routinely gives oxytocin to the mother intravenously via an infusion.
More recent findings also suggest a link between oxytocin deficiency and so-called “postpartum depression“. The administration of a nasal spray containing oxytocin as a new therapeutic option has been shown in some studies to significantly reduce the incidence of such depression. However, this type of therapy for postpartum depression is still very new and it will be some time before it is used regularly.
Oxytocin deficiency in breastfeeding
When breastfeeding, oxytocin causes the muscle cells in the mammary gland to contract, which causes breast milk to be pressed out of the gland. Oxytocin is released by the infant sucking on the nipple. An oxytocin deficiency leads to a reduced contractile capacity of the mammary gland cells and thus to a more difficult delivery of breast milk to the infant.
As a consequence, the mammary gland may not be completely emptied and the breast may become tense and painful. Oxytocin is also released in the baby’s body during breastfeeding, but a corresponding deficiency is not known at this point. This can have an influence on the bond between mother and child.
Causes
The causes of an oxytocin deficiency have not yet been fully clarified. It is believed to be most likely due to insufficient production in the hypothalamus, a part of the cerebrum, or inadequate secretion by the pituitary gland (hypophysis). These two theories are more likely than a defect in the oxytocin receptors. It is suspected that the deficiency is due to genetic factors. This would also explain the familial accumulation of certain mental illnesses which, according to the current state of knowledge, are associated with a low level of oxytocin in the blood.
Can oxytocin deficiency be corrected?
To remedy an oxytocin deficiency, the substance is supplied to the body from outside.In clinical obstetrics, this is done by intravenous administration of an infusion to prevent insufficient uterine contraction. If the uterus does not contract sufficiently during or shortly after birth, this can cause significant bleeding. This phenomenon is still the most common cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Furthermore, the use of a supportive administration of oxytocin, for example in the form of nasal sprays, is being discussed as a therapeutic approach for mental and psychological predispositions such as anxiety disorders, social phobia and autism.