European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology 79 (1998) 127–129 The effect of emotional support on maternal oxytocin levels in labouring women a, a b a * S.W. Lindow , M.S. Hendricks , J.W. Thompson , Z.M. van der Spuy a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Groot Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa b Department of Mathematics, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull HU67RX, UK Received 2 June 1997; received in revised form 20 November 1997; accepted 13 February 1998 Abstract Objective. The presence of a supportive companion to women in labour has been found to reduce the duration of labour and the incidence of oxytocin augmentation. The mechanism which produces this improvement is unknown but work in animals suggests that environmental disturbance produces changes in endogenous oxytocin secretion. This study was carried out to assess maternal oxytocin secretion in relation to the presence of a supportive companion in labour. Study design. A randomised controlled trial involving allocation of unsupported women in the first stage of labour to a period of 1 h with a supportive companion or 1 h without. Sixteen women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies who were in the active phase of the first stage of labour were studied. Maternal oxytocin levels were assayed by radioimmunoassay for 16 min (eight specimens) before and after the support or control period. Results. There are no differences between maternal oxytocin levels in the two groups of patients. There was no difference in either of the two groups between the oxytocin levels pre and post the support / control period. Conclusions. One hour of birth support in the first stage of labour did not improve maternal oxytocin levels when compared to a control group.  1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. Keywords: Emotional support; Maternal oxytocin levels 1. Introduction and provide evidence to the efficiency of support on the labour process. In a randomised controlled trial Sosa et al. In 150 cultures studied by anthropologists only one [1] found that the support of a lay person (‘doula’) reduced culture did not make provision for a family member or the duration of labour from 19.3 h in the unsupported friend to be with a woman in labour or delivery (quoted in group to 8.7 h in a supported group. Of 95 unsupported Ref. [1]). mothers 79% had a problem or intervention in labour In Western society the emotional support a labouring (Caesarean birth, meconium stained liquor, oxytocin aug- woman receives is usually given by her husband or other mentation, stillbirth, depressed neonate or assisted deliv- family member. Technical and professional support is ery) compared to only 37% of the supported group. This given by midwives and doctors in attendance but the study was repeated with larger numbers [2] ( n5249 emotional support given by health care professionals may randomised to no support, n5168 randomised to support) not be optimal in a busy labour ward environment. by the same group who found the mean duration of labour There have been a number of studies which have was significantly shortened in the supported group (7.7 h examined the effect of a supportive companion in labour SD 3.5 h versus 15.5 h SD 7.0 h, P,0.001) and fewer Caesarean sections were performed in supported patients * (7% versus 17% P,0.001). The incidence of oxytocin Corresponding author. Present Address: Hull Maternity Hospital, Hedon Road, Hull HU9 5LX, UK. Fax: 144 1482 374542. augmentation in the supported women was 2% versus 13% 0301-2115 / 98 / $19.00  1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. PII S0301-2115(98)00073-6