Do Parental Hormone Levels Synchronize During the Prenatal and Postpartum Periods? A Systematic Review.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Systematic review of predominantly observational studies
PubMed 38615295 · doi:10.1007/s10567-024-00474-7
What was done
A systematic review to determine whether hormonal synchronization occurs between expecting or new parents during the prenatal and postpartum periods. A systematic literature search identified 13 eligible records for synthesis.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical effect sizes or statistics. It identified evidence of cortisol synchrony in the prenatal period along with covariations in testosterone, prolactin, and progesterone before childbirth. In the postpartum period, synchrony was reported for oxytocin, testosterone, and cortisol. These hormonal covariations were associated with adaptive parenting behaviors, romantic bonding, and infant development.
Why it matters
This review compiles evidence that endocrine dynamics are linked between partners across the transition to parenthood, potentially influencing parenting and child development.
Limits
The abstract provides no quantitative data or effect sizes. The evidence base is limited to 13 studies with non-standardized protocols and heterogeneous specimen collection timing, precluding firm quantitative conclusions.