Synthetic Oxytocin and Maternal Postpartum Depression: A Scoping Review

This scoping review aims to synthesize existing evidence on the relationship between intrapartum synthetic oxytocin (synOT) exposure and maternal postpartum depression (PPD). Specifically, it examines methodological similarities and differences in the current literature and highlights persistent gaps in knowledge regarding the effects of synOT on PPD outcomes.

PPD is a prevalent adverse outcome associated with childbirth, and has significant implications for maternal and child health. The increasing administration of synOT during birth has generated concerns regarding its potential effects on maternal physiological and psychosocial functioning, including its potential association with PPD.

In this review, studies examining the relationship between synOT administration and PPD demonstrate mixed findings. These inconsistencies are likely influenced by variability in PPD assessment methods, clinical indications for synOT administration, the concurrent use of synOT with other obstetric interventions, and individual differences in the maternal endogenous oxytocin system.

Future research is needed to investigate the onset and duration of PPD using standardized definitions and assess the potential dose-dependent effects of synOT on maternal PPD outcomes. Furthermore, additional studies are needed to examine the cumulative effect of multiple birth interventions and the influence of synOT on the maternal endogenous oxytocin system to better understand individual susceptibilities to PPD.