Oxytocin has a positive emotional regulatory effect on the human body, and its level fluctuates significantly during the perinatal period compared to normal physiological states. Therefore, oxytocin holds promise as a quantitative indicator specific to the perinatal period for screening and diagnosing depression. Oxytocin is the first-line medication for the prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage. However, considering the potential negative impacts of its intravenous application on women with perinatal depression and their offspring, strict control of the timing and dosage of medication may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of perinatal depression. This article reviews the role and prospects of oxytocin in perinatal depression.

Oxytocin has a positive emotional regulatory effect on the human body, and its level fluctuates significantly during the perinatal period compared to normal physiological states. Therefore, oxytocin holds promise as a quantitative indicator specific to the perinatal period for screening and diagnosing depression. Oxytocin is the first-line medication for the prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage. However, considering the potential negative impacts of its intravenous application on women with perinatal depression and their offspring, strict control of the timing and dosage of medication may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of perinatal depression. This article reviews the role and prospects of oxytocin in perinatal depression.