Question:

What is parturition? Which hormones are involved in induction of parturition?

Updated On: Sep 30, 2023
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Solution and Explanation

Parturition is the process of giving birth to a baby as the development of the foetus gets completed in the mother's womb. The hormones involved in this process are oxytocin and relaxin. Oxytocin leads to the contraction of smooth muscles of myometrium of the uterus which directs the full term foetus towards the birth canal. On the other hand relaxin hormone causes relaxation of the pelvic ligaments and prepares the uterus for child birth.
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Concepts Used:

Parturition and Lactation

Parturition:

It is the process of the contraction of the uterus at regular intervals that helps in the delivery of the baby at the end of pregnancy. The signals that the fully developed fetus sends through the placenta for ejection is called Foetal ejection reflex. These signals induce muscular contractions.

The time period from fertilization to childbirth is called the gestation period.

Lactation:

It is the process of production of milk by the mammary glands at the end of pregnancy. The milk produced initially by the glands is called colostrum. This milk is crucial for the baby as it provides the child with initial immunity.