Question

Case:
The average duration of human pregnancy is about 9 months. Parturition in humans is induced by a complex neuroendocrine mechanism. Rekha has completed her 9 months of pregnancy and her expected delivery date has passed but she has not undergone labor. Both her and family got worried and went to the hospital to consult her obstetrician. A complete blood work was done and the doctor observed extremely low levels of certain hormones and high levels of hPL, estrogen, thyroxine, etc.
On further examination, the doctor revealed that her uterus is not showing vigorous contractions which are extremely needed for delivery of the foetus. The doctor took consent from Rekha and injected her with a medicine to promote uterine contractions. Also, her obstetrician counselled her about benefits of breast feeding and good practices for postnatal care of herself and the baby.

The injection given by the doctor eventually led to the delivery of the foetus. This process of expulsion of the foetus out of the body of mother on full term is called:
[0.7 mark]

• A. Gestation
• B. Parturition
• C. Implantation
• D. Lactation

Answer 1

The correct option is B Parturition

Parturition – The process of delivery of the foetus (child birth) is called parturition.
Gestation – It is the duration between conception and birth during which embryo or foetus develops in the uterus.
Implantation – When blastocyst becomes embedded in the endometrium of the uterus.
Lactation – The mammary glands of the female undergo differentiation during pregnancy and start producing milk by end of pregnancy by the process called lactation.