Question

Answer the following question.

Which hormones are involved in parturition?

Answer 1

Parturition is controlled by a complex neuroendocrine mechanism.

1. Signals arise from the fully formed foetus and placenta cause mild uterine contractions.

2. This is accompanied by rise in estrogen- progesterone ratio, increase in oxytocin receptors in uterine muscles.

3. Increase in hormone ratio causes vigorous contractions of myometrium of uterus at the end of pregnancy.

4. The fully developed foetus gives signals for the uterine contractions by secreting Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) from pituitary and corticosteroid from adrenal gland.

5. This, in turn, triggers the release of oxytocin from mother’s pituitary gland, which acts on the uterine muscles of the mother and causes vigorous uterine contractions leading to the expulsion of the baby from the uterus.