it is one of the hormones most involved in pregnancy. Its biological role is particularly evident during childbirth, when it stimulates the contractions of the smooth muscles of the uterus in labor, and lactation.
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More generally, the activity of oxytocin is involved in many areas of the reproductive process: from sexual arousal to reaching orgasm, from ovulation to conception.
Furthermore, oxytocin regulates the affective aspect of relationships between partners and childcare: not surprisingly, it is also known as the "love hormone".
of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus, this hormone is then released into the bloodstream from the posterior pituitary (or neurohypophysis).
The biological role of oxytocin is particularly evident during childbirth and breastfeeding:
- At the end of pregnancy, oxytocin stimulates the contraction of the uterine smooth muscle cells at the time of labor, favoring the completion of delivery;
- During breastfeeding, however, this hormone promotes the ejection of milk from the breasts.
Furthermore, oxytocin contributes to creating and maintaining emotional bonds with the partner and children. Immediately after delivery, this hormone promotes a "maternal" behavior, favoring the sense of emotional gratification and the search for closeness with the newborn.