The Correlation between Synthetic Oxytocin Given during Labor and Women’s Personality Traits According to the SSP (Swedish University Scales of Personality) Survey: A Pilot Study

Background: In modern obstetric care, oxytocin is one of the most frequently used drugs, and the possible mental impact this drug has on women is very little studied. The objective of this study is to investigate whether women augmented with oxytocin during labor will rate their personality profile differently after childbirth than non-stimulated women. Methods: Prospective cohort study was performed at Women’s Clinic, Soder hospital, Stockholm.76 women received the SSP (Swedish University Scales of Personality) questionnaire to fill in during their stay in the post-maternity ward after labor. Information about the use of oxytocin was retrieved from the women’s medical records. Primary outcome: Differences in the SSP scores in the group augmented with synthetic oxytocin during labor compared with the non-augmented group. Results: Women with and without oxytocin estimates on the SSP subscale form differed regarding personality traits described as “lack of assertiveness” (p = 0.04), which means “lack of ability to speak up and to be self-assertive in social situations”. The result also showed that women that had a long time of augmentation with oxytocin (>5 h) scored higher for “social desirability” (p = 0.004), which was defined as being “socially adapted,” “friendly,” and “helpful”. A difference in “psychological anxiety” (p = 0.04) and “social desirability” (p = 0.004) was found among women who had oxytocin in a dose of at least 200 ImU/h for ≥1 hour. This group also had a lower rate of “mental anxiety” than those who received lower oxytocin doses. Conclusion: Synthetic oxytocin given during labor may affect the woman mentally. The total time and volume of given oxytocin seem to be essential factors when discussing augmentation’s maternal psychological response. We conclude that prolonged and extended use of synthetic oxytocin during labor should be avoided if possible.

Caring for the breast cancer survivor's health and wellbeing

The breast cancer care continuum entails detection, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. During this time, focus on the whole woman and medical concerns beyond the breast cancer diagnosis itself is essential. In this comprehensive review, we critically review and evaluate recent evidence regarding several topics pertinent to and specific for the woman living with a prior history of breast cancer. More specifically, we discuss the most recent recommendations for contraceptive options including long-acting reversible contraception and emergency contraception, fertility and pregnancy considerations during and after breast cancer treatment, management of menopausal vasomotors symptomsand vulvovaginal atrophy which often occurs even in young women during treatment for breast cancer. The need to directly query the patient about these concerns is emphasized. Our focus is on non-systemic hormones and non-hormonal options. Our holistic approach to the care of the breast cancer survivor includes such preventive health issues as sexual and bone health,which are important in optimizing quality of life. We also discuss strategies for breast cancer recurrence surveillance in the setting of a prior breast cancer diagnosis. This review is intended for primary care practitioners as well as specialists caring for female breast cancer survivors and includes key points for evidence-based best practice recommendations.

Miscarriage—Evidence Based Information for the Web and Its Development Procedure

Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe the process of developing web information on miscarriage based on scientific evidence, for women and couples in Sweden experiencing miscarriage. Method: A participatory design was used which included researchers, professional experts and users. A participatory design was used involving researchers, professional experts and users. The information was developed in six stages: 1) identifying the needs of information;2) identifying and constructing the main areas of information and its paths;3) identifying and inviting experts for revision;4) developing the text;5) reviewing the text;6) design and structuring for adaption to website. Results: The text of information developed gradually based on the seven steps. The final text comprised three parts: 1) what is miscarriage;2) experiences of miscarriage;3) processing and planning for new pregnancy. Conclusion: Using participatory design was time and resource consuming, however it was functional for producing appropriate information for the target group. The developed evidence based facts text is assumed to be a complement to the information that is provided by the health care system.