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.

Which of the following event is not important for initiation of parturition in a human female?
[0.7 mark]

• A. Release of oxytocin from maternal pituitary
• B. Increased level of cortisol
• C. Signals from fully developed foetus and placenta
• D. Release of prolactin

Answer 1

The correct option is D Release of prolactin

The process of delivery of the foetus (childbirth) is called parturition. Prolactin plays a significant role during lactation, not in parturation. All other options are important events for initiation of parturition in a human female.