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The birth process is initiated by sudden hormonal shifts, particularly a drop in progesterone, which causes uterine contractions. The pituitary gland releases oxytocin to stimulate these contractions and dilate the birth canal, leading to labor. The labor process consists of three stages: dilation, which lasts 2-20 hours, the expulsion stage where the baby is delivered within 5-2 hours, and the placental stage where the placenta is expelled shortly after birth. Post-delivery, the baby must adapt to life outside the womb.
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Birth • Sudden, dramatic changes in hormone levels = starting of birth process • High levels of progesterone have maintained pregnancy – sharp drop in levels and estrogen – cause muscles of uterus to contract • Mother’s pituitary gland secretes oxytocin which stimulates the uterus to contract and open up birth canal = labour • Problems – mother’s pelvis is too small for baby to pass through, baby is in wrong position for birth • Sometimes – delivered by Cesarean section – remove baby through incision in mother’s abdomen and uterus
Labour • Dilation stage – uterine contractions, oxytocin levels = cervix opens • Amnion sac breaks – fluid is released through vagina • Lasts 2-20hrs • Expulsion stage – contractions of uterus become forceful, baby is pushed through cervix to birth canal • Takes .5-2 hrs
Labour (cont’d) • Placental Stage – placenta and umbilical cord are expelled from uterus • Within 10-15ms after baby is born • Expelled placenta = afterbirth
After birth • Baby’s umbilical cord is usually clamped, cut, tied • First time – baby must breath air, ingest food, eliminate wastes on its own • Accustom to light, sounds, cooler temperatures • Proportions of legs compared to rest of body changes with age
