Prenatal Exposure to Synthetic Oxytocin: Risk to Neurodevelopment? (2012)

Abstract: The neurodevelopmental risks of prenatal exposure to synthetic Oxytocin (OXT) during childbirth are relatively unexplored; however, it seems plausible that lifelong consequences could occur. This article expounds upon a pilot study (Kurth & Haussmann, 2011) that posited an association between prenatal OXT exposure and childhood onset of ADHD, suggesting neurodevelopmental disorders may be a consequence of this exposure. Study results, conclusions, and speculative impressions are discussed1. The potential risks of prenatal OXT exposure warrant expanded research in order to identify the specific pathophysiology involved in this dynamic and to determine if this exposure carries risks for altering child neurodevelopmental trajectory.Keywords: Prenatal, labor induction, synthetic Oxytocin, ADHD, NeurodevelopmentalPrenatal Exposure to Synthetic Oxytocin: Risk to Neurodevelopment?Origin of TheoryThe theory of this possible association originated from over fifteen years of direct clinical observation as combined with independent, non-solicited reports provided by geographically diverse mothers during routine developmental child intakes. Specifically, these mothers voluntarily sought diagnostic clarification, evaluation, and treatment for their biological children who either (1) demonstrated behavioral symptomology consistent with a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and/or (2) who had been previously identified by a supervising pediatrician or primary care physician as having ADHD symptoms. During these intakes, mothers responded to a series of pregnancy-related questions relevant to the child of clinical concern. Topics reviewed in depth included ease of child conception, description of the mother's health during pregnancy, gestational duration, length of labor and delivery dynamics. Included in this initial inquiry was clarification as to whether or not medication(s) had been used to induce and/or augment labor during childbirth, and specification of the medication(s) used.With reliable frequency, the majority of mothers voluntarily self-disclosed that synthetic Oxytocin (specifically Pitocin®; heretofore referred to as OXT) had been the medical agent most often utilized during their childbirth experiences. Many mothers also provided testimonials of related childbirth complications, including extended maternal gestation, prolonged labors (including prolonged exposure to OXT), heavier newborn weight babies (i.e. >71bs.), use of epidural anesthesia and assisted rupture of membranes. With some frequency, reports of newborn nuchal chords, low initial Apgar scores, history of fetal distress, and meconium stain were also provided by these mothers. When a majority of these children were subsequently formally evaluated (i.e. collaterally rated utilizing standardized ADHD teacher and parent rating scales) and were later confirmed by a clinician as meeting the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, these maternal reports raised questions regarding a potential association between these trends. Based on the assumption this correlation arose from circumstances other than coincidence, the pilot study discussed here ensued. The focus of this research was to determine whether prenatal OXT exposure (and/or certain other involved prenatal factors) could be identified as holding predictive potential to the future outcome of childhood ADHD.From a Mother's PerspectiveDuring the course of this pilot study, a number of mothers of ADHD child participants voluntarily contacted the original study authors to express their support of this research effort and to freely offer testimonials regarding their own personal experiences with obstetric OXT. For example, one mother reported an OXT exposure time during a 36 hour labor with her child, now diagnosed as having ADHD. Another mother described an intense 23 hour OXT exposure time with her child whose complicated neurodevelopmental profile, including an ADHD diagnosis, has continued to perplex clinicians for years. …