Birth

Question 1

What hormones fall and increase just before birth?

Answer 1

Progesterone falls

Oxytocin, prolactin and oestrogen increases

Question 2

What does decreased progesterone do?

Answer 2

Stops inhibiting oxytocin and prolactin, causes the uterine walls to start contracting

Question 3

What does the increase in oxytocin do?

Answer 3

Starts contractions of the myometrium from the top down from the posterior pituitary gland. Contractions increase oxytocin and oxytocin increases contractions so they get stronger.

Question 4

What does increased prolactin do?

Answer 4

Secreted by anterior pituitary gland, stimulates glandular tissue in mammary glands to secrete milk. Milk released when oxytocin causes muscles to contract.