Exploring methods to promote maternal-fetal attachment formation: based on changes in oxytocin levels during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25463477
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Lifelong developmental nursing
• Research Institution: Nagasaki University
• Principal Investigator: NAGAHASHI Miyuki (荒木美幸) 長崎大学, 医歯薬学総合研究科(保健学科), 准教授 (10304974)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 胎児愛着 / 唾液オキシトシン / 妊婦 / タッチング / 授乳 / 精神

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Tactile stimulation of the abdomen of primipara during the last trimester of pregnancy was related to salivary oxytocin release while the frequency of such abdominal touching was positively correlated with maternal-fetal attachment. Levels of salivary oxytocin secreted during breastfeeding persisted for at least 30 min after the end of breastfeeding regardless of breastfeeding duration during the early postpartum period. Breastfeeding also exerted a temporary positive effect on mood and emotional state, suggesting the possibility that oxytocin secreted during breastfeeding influenced the mental state of postpartum women.

Free Research Field

母性・助産学