Labor is a highly coordinated event that requires the participation of numerous signaling molecules. Discuss how hormones help coordinate the events of labor to ensure that a child is delivered quickly

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Several hormones are involved in the process of childbirth, and each works in a coordinated way to help facilitate the action of other signaling molecules. The process is initiated in the fetus with the secretion of ACTH by the fetal pituitary gland, which in turn causes the adrenal cortex to release steroids. The steroids, in turn, cause the placenta to increase estrogen secretion. Estrogen stimulates an increase in the number of oxytocin receptors present in uterine tissue and increases the production of prostaglandins. This combination of increased estrogen, prostaglandins, and oxytocin receptors as well as maternal oxytocin triggers the initial contractions of the uterus. Pain and pressure produced from the baby pressing on the cervix and amniotic membrane stimulate the anterior pituitary to release more oxytocin, which in turn causes stronger uterine contractions, pushing on the baby, and so on. The events follow a positive feedback loop with contractions intensifying in strength and duration until the baby is expelled.