title: The EPIIC hypothesis: intrapartum effects on the neonatal epigenome and consequent health outcomes.
abstract: There are many published studies about the epigenetic effects of the prenatal and infant periods on health outcomes. However, there is very little knowledge regarding the effects of the intrapartum period (labor and birth) on health and epigenetic remodeling. Although the intrapartum period is relatively short compared to the complete perinatal period, there is emerging evidence that this time frame may be a critical formative phase for the human genome. Given the debates from the National Institutes of Health and World Health Organization regarding routine childbirth procedures, it is essential to establish the state of the science concerning normal intrapartum epigenetic physiology. EPIIC (Epigenetic Impact of Childbirth) is an international, interdisciplinary research collaboration with expertise in the fields of genetics, physiology, developmental biology, epidemiology, medicine, midwifery, and nursing. We hypothesize that events during the intrapartum period - specifically the use of synthetic oxytocin, antibiotics, and cesarean section - affect the epigenetic remodeling processes and subsequent health of the mother and offspring. The rationale for this hypothesis is based on recent evidence and current best practice.
authors: School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW 2751, Australia. h.dahlen@uws.edu.au
authors: H G
authors: HG
authors: Dahlen
authors: H P
authors: HP
authors: Kennedy
authors: C M
authors: CM
authors: Anderson
authors: A F
authors: AF
authors: Bell
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Clark
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Foureur
authors: J E
authors: JE
authors: Ohm
authors: A M
authors: AM
authors: Shearman
authors: J Y
authors: JY
authors: Taylor
authors: M L
authors: ML
authors: Wright
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Downe
mesh_terms: D002585:Cesarean Section; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D057890:Epigenomics / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000235:genetics*; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000235:genetics*; D008957:Models, Genetic; D011247:Pregnancy