Which hormone is known as ‘birth hormone'?

Oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone", plays a key role in many physiological processes, including love, fertility, labor, birth contractions, and breastfeeding. It fosters feelings of health, happiness, and emotional bonding, activating nurturing behaviors and emotions.

During pregnancy, the body gradually increases the number of receptor cells that respond to oxytocin. This increase becomes significant during labor. Oxytocin is responsible for stimulating intense contractions that help with cervical dilation, moving the baby through the birth canal, expelling the placenta, and reducing bleeding at the placenta site. The baby’s pressure on the cervix and pelvic tissues stimulates the release of oxytocin, which in turn triggers contractions during labor and delivery, and continues during breastfeeding.

Challenges with Low Oxytocin Levels:

During labor, low oxytocin levels can cause complications:

• It can slow or stop contractions, leading to prolonged labor.
• It can increase the risk of excessive bleeding at the placenta site after delivery.

How to Promote Oxytocin:

To support oxytocin production and facilitate a smoother birth experience:

• Stay calm, optimistic, and relaxed.
• Avoid stressors, such as uncomfortable procedures or unwanted noise and individuals.
• Stay upright and use gravity to help the baby push against the cervix and pelvic floor tissues during birth.

Note:

A lack of oxytocin can make it difficult to feel connected to others or develop a strong sense of self. In the brain's amygdala (which stores social memory), insufficient oxytocin may cause feelings of anxiety and fear. Interestingly, oxytocin and cortisol (a stress hormone) have opposing effects—when one rises, the other falls.