Parturition and Lactation

Ø Human pregnancy has the duration of 9 months. This duration is called the gestation period.

Ø At the end of this period, vigorous uterine contractions lead to the delivery of the foetus. This process is called parturition.

Ø Parturition is a neuro-endocrine mechanism, and is started by the signals from the developed foetus and the placenta, which produce the foetal ejection reflex.

Ø This causes the release of oxytocin from the pituitary, which causes stronger uterine contractions.

Ø This leads to the expulsion of the baby along with the placenta.

Ø During pregnancy, the mammary glands undergo differentiation, and milk is produced during the end of pregnancy.

Ø The milk produced during the first few days of lactation is known as colostrums. It contains several antibodies that aid the newborn to develop resistance.