Question

What does oxytocin do during labor?

Answer 1

Oxytocin:

1. Oxytocin is a peptide hormone and neuropeptide, which is a name for a peptide that can also act as a neurotransmitter.
2. Oxytocin is primarily produced in the hypothalamus and transported through axons to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
3. Upon production, it can be secreted into the bloodstream of the body.

The factor that causes oxytocin during labor is:

1. Oxytocin has proved to be involved in increased contraction of the uterus.
2. Oxytocin is a naturally occurring hormone that is produced by the body during labor to induce strong, long-lasting, frequent uterine contractions.
3. It stimulates powerful contractions that help to thin and open or dilate the cervix, move the baby down and out of the birth canal, push out the placenta, and limit bleeding at the positioning of the placenta.