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Oxytocin is a peptide hormone and neuropeptide normally produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. [4] Present in animals since early stages of evolution, in humans it plays roles in behavior that include social bonding, love, reproduction, childbirth, and the period after childbirth.
Synthetic oxytocin, sold under the brand name Pitocin among others, is a medication made from the peptide oxytocin. [6] [7] As a medication, it is used to cause contraction of the uterus to start labor, increase the speed of labor, and to stop bleeding following delivery. [6] For this purpose, it is given by injection either into a muscle or ...
Oxytocin contracts the smooth muscle of the uterus during and after birth, and during orgasm(s). After birth, oxytocin contracts the smooth muscle layer of band-like cells surrounding the alveoli to squeeze the newly produced milk into the duct system. Oxytocin is necessary for the milk ejection reflex, or let-down, in response to suckling, to ...
Oxytocin has a crucial role in the process of milk ejection. [34] After sucking, the release of oxytocin stimulates the myoepithelial cell contraction in the breast, which forces milk to move from the alveoli, via the milk ducts, and towards the nipple. [34] Oxytocin is secreted quicker than prolactin.
The hormone oxytocin has been identified as inducing uterine contractions, and labour in general. [9] Oxytocin is produced by the body naturally and since the 1950s has also been available in synthetic pharmaceutical form. [10] [11] In either form, oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions to accelerate the process of childbirth.
Oxytocin is typically used right after the delivery of the baby to prevent PPH. [2] Misoprostol may be used in areas where oxytocin is not available. [2] Early clamping of the umbilical cord does not decrease risks and may cause anemia in the baby, and thus is usually not recommended. [2]
Oxytocin (OT) has potential to be a treatment for postpartum depression (PPD). Oxytocin is released when a mother cares for her child, making the interaction pleasurable [2] . Mothers that report high levels of infant-mother bonding and demonstrate responsive and sensitive parenting generally show increased levels of OT and brain reward center ...
[10]: 18–21 [25] Oxytocin, which signals the smooth muscle of the uterus to contract during pregnancy, labor, birth and following delivery, is also involved in the process of breastfeeding. [ 33 ] [ 25 ] Oxytocin also contracts the smooth muscle layer of band-like cells surrounding the milk ducts and alveoli to s the newly produced milk ...