Chapter 27, Problem 15CYR

Summary Introduction

To review:

Number the sequence of events that are responsible for initiating labor:

1. The hypothalamus of the mother and fetus stimulates the placenta to secrete prostaglandins.

2. Fetal cortisol levels increase andstimulate the placenta to release estrogen.

3. Prostaglandins and oxytocin stimulate the uterus to contract.

4. Estrogen stimulates the myometrium to form oxytocin receptors.

Introduction:

Parturition is the process where the fetus is expelled out of the mother’s body from the uterus through the vagina. It occurs in a sequential manner which is called labor. It usually occurs at the end of 39 weeks with a variation of 1-2 weeks. Premature births can cause the development of several complications in the child.