Question

What causes expulsion of the foetus towards the end of pregnancy?

Answer 1

Foetus: The stage of prenatal development starts 8 weeks after fertilization and lasts until the end of gestation.

Causes of the expulsion of the foetus:

1. The signals for the delivery of the foetus come from the completely developed foetus and placenta which causes mild uterine compression called foetal ejection reflex.
2. This causes the release of oxytocin from the mother's pituitary.
3. Oxytocin functions on uterine muscles and causes stronger uterine contraction, which in turn leads to the secretion of oxytocin.
4. The stimulatory reflex between the uterine compression and oxytocin secretion goes on and results in stronger contraction and leads to the expulsion of the foetus.