Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Analysis of Electrocardiograms and Behavior in Mice from Pregnancy to Lactation Period
Published on: April 5, 2024
Oxytocin during pregnancy and early postpartum: individual patterns and maternal-fetal attachment
Ari Levine1, Orna Zagoory-Sharon, Ruth Feldman
1Interdisciplinary Program in the Brain Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel.
Abstract:
Oxytocin (OT), a nanopeptide hormone, plays a role in the emergence of maternal behavior, yet few studies examined OT in humans across pregnancy and the postpartum. We followed healthy women at three points: first trimester of pregnancy, third trimester, and first postpartum month. Plasma OT levels showed high individual stability. A third of the sample showed consistent OT levels, whereas others showed increasing or decreasing trends or peak in late pregnancy. The increase in OT from early to late pregnancy correlated with higher maternal-fetal bonding. These data may help set standards for OT levels and underscore links with maternal-infant attachment.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Attachment
Relationship with Parents: Attachment
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Neurotransmitters
Ovarian Cycle
Hazan and Shaver's Attachment Styles

