Creator: Dr. Vivekanand
Keywords: Labor, labor mechanism, fetus, Fetus, amnion, chorion, prostaglandins, uterine contractions, cervical effacement, uterine contraction, inducing labor, induce labor, labor induction.

Written by Dr. Vivekanand, MBBS |

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Ramya Ananthakrishnan, MD on Oct 10, 2018

Mechanism Of Labor

Mechanism of labor is still a very controversial issue and lot of research is going on to find out the actual causation of labor. One school of thought is that the fetus has a key role in the onset of childbirth.

Once the baby is developed and is ready to come out into the world, the amnion and the chorion starts producing prostaglandins that cause uterine contractions and cervical effacement. As the baby descends, the lower uterine segment gets stretched which in turn stimulates the nerves responsible for producing uterine contractions.

Reference

Mudaliar and Menon's Obstetrics - www.babycentre.co.uk

Published on Jan 02, 2013
Last Updated on Oct 10, 2018

Comments

ennairam_23 Friday, February 11, 2011

Having undergone the process of labor and delivery myself, all I can say is: each labor and delivery experience is different. It is the most painful thing I have ever experienced in my whole life but also the most rewarding. All the pain will vanished once you see your little bundle of joy.

Jurelyn C. Licaros Tuesday, December 2, 2008

what is the mechanism of labor ?

PregnancyMassage Tuesday, October 1, 2013

The mechanism of labor is in several stages. In pre-labor, the uterus begins to contract, but the contractions are more gentle. The pregnant woman can usually go about her day. In the first active phase of labor, the uterus contracts more rhythmically and frequently, usually requiring undivided attention. These contractions coincide with the cervix dilating to about 10 cm to allow for the baby to pass through. In the second active phase of labor, the doctor or midwife will ask that the woman push each time a contraction occurs. This assists the uterus contractions in pushing the baby out. Finally, in the third phase, the placenta is expelled.

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