Epigenetic and birth

Abstract

Epigenetics refers to the study of how genes express their phenotypic effect, all of which can be modified by the environment. Recently, pregnancy, labour and birth have been proposed as critical periods of exposure to environmental or external factors and interventions that could cause epigenetic changes in an individual, determining their potential for a healthy life. In this mini review, exposure to exogenous oxytocin during labour and also during caesarean delivery is posed as epigenetic modifiers, and their potential impact on the health of an individual is reviewed.