Changes in cortisol, prolactin and oxytocin levels in pregnant women after perinatal training programs

Purpose. To study changes in the levels of cortisol, prolactin and oxytocin in the blood serum of pregnant women depending on the perinatal preparation program used.

Material and methods. The study involved 537 women at 34 weeks of pregnancy, who were divided into 2 groups: main (n=273) – pregnant women who underwent perinatal training under the “Conscious Motherhood” program; comparison group (n=264) – pregnant women who were trained under the program of a traditional maternity school. The levels of the studied hormones were determined by enzyme immunoassay.

Results. The initial levels of cortisol, prolactin and oxytocin in the groups did not differ significantly and corresponded to the reference values for pregnant women. After classes in perinatal training programs, the levels of cortisol and prolactin did not change significantly and did not differ between groups. Classes in the “Conscious Motherhood” program increased the content of oxytocin by 2.2 times, while in the comparison group (traditional motherhood school) no significant changes were detected.

Conclusion. Thus, perinatal preparation does not affect the levels of cortisol and prolactin. At the same time, classes in the “Conscious Motherhood” program, conducted together with husbands, cause an increase in oxytocin levels, which may have a beneficial effect on the course of childbirth.