Investigation of the relationship between pregnancy and postpartum oxytocin levels depression symptoms of women

This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between oxytocin levels measured in pregnancy and postpartum period with depression symptoms. The study which prospective cohort type was conducted with 68 women who accepted the criteria included in the study. Data collection was done in two interviews. The first interview is 30-38. in the gestational week, the second interview was made in the postpartum 4, 8 or 12th week. During the interviews, a data collection form was applied to the participants and then a saliva sample was taken. Data collection form consist of the questions prepared by the researchers, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Beck Depression Inventory. The prevalence rate of depression symptoms during pregnancy is 16.2%, and in postpartum period is 25%. Depression symptoms were more experienced in cases such as low education level, smoking, insufficient spouse support, poor prenatal attachment, and fear of motherhood. While there was a moderate negative correlation between pregnancy oxytocin level and pregnancy and postpartum depression symptoms, there was no significant relationship between postpartum oxytocin level and depression symptoms. As a result of the analysis, it was concluded that pregnancy oxytocin level may be a predictive biomarker for postpartum depression.