Can Oxytocin Level Predict Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects some one in five new mothers, and adversely influences maternal adaptation to motherhood. While it is known that women with a prior history of depression, or depression during pregnancy, are at elevated risk for postpartum depression, many women with no prior history of depression or other risk factors go on to develop depression in the postpartum period. Considering the grave consequences of postpartum depression on maternal infant bonding and childhood psychological development, it is critical to develop reliable methods to identify which women, who are not depressed during pregnancy, will become depressed after delivery.

The biological pathways leading to depression at any time in life, including around pregnancy, are still poorly characterized. Oxytocin (OT), a hormone involved in delivery and lactation, has received recent attention regarding its additional role in maternal emotions and care taking behaviors after birth. The primary goal is explore the relationship between plasma oxytocin and postpartum mood.

Inclusion criteria

• At least 18 years of age
• English-speaking
• Pregnant (third trimester at time of visit)

Exclusion criteria

• Current active depression or other mental illness at time of study entry in the third trimester (past depression or anxiety is acceptable)
• Current antidepressant treatment
• Severe medical complications in current pregnancy (gestational diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease)
• Signs of multiple gestation or of fetal malformation in current pregnancy
• Cigarette smoking beyond 10th week of gestation of current pregnancy
• Pre-pregnancy BMI > 32