Question

What is a foetal ejection reflex?

Answer 1

Foetal ejection reflex:-

1. These are the mild contractions in the uterus of a pregnant woman, which start as a result of the signals arising from a fully grown foetus.
2. Foetal ejection reflex involves involuntary uterine contractions that are meant for the parturition/delivery of the baby from the vagina.
3. This reflex is also known as the Ferguson reflex.
4. Once the signals from the fully-grown foetus arise and stimulate the pituitary gland of the mother, it starts releasing oxytocin.
5. Oxytocin, also called birth hormone is a hormone released from the posterior pituitary gland
6. Oxytocin follows a feedback mechanism to produce uterine contractions, i.e., the more the uterus contracts, the more oxytocin is released.