Question

Why is oxytocin necessary for parturition?

Answer 1

Hint: Oxytocin (Oxt) is a peptide hormone and neuropeptide.
It is normally produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary.

Complete answer: Oxytocin plays a role in social bonding, sexual reproduction, childbirth, and the period after childbirth.
Oxytocin stimulates the uterine muscles to contract and also increases the production of prostaglandins, which increases the contractions further. The release and the binding of the hormone to the muscle receptors lead to contraction of uterine smooth muscle which enables parturition or childbirth.
Oxytocin is important for cervical dilation before birth, oxytocin causes contractions during the second and third stages of labor. Oxytocin also serves to assist the uterus in clotting the placental attachment point postpartum.

Additional information: Manufactured oxytocin is sometimes given to induce labor if labor has not started naturally or it can be used to strengthen contractions to aid childbirth.
1. In addition, manufactured oxytocin is often given to speed up delivery of the placenta and reduce the risk of heavy bleeding by contracting the uterus.
2. During breastfeeding, oxytocin promotes the movement of milk into the breast, allowing it to be excreted by the nipple.
3. Oxytocin release during breastfeeding causes mild but often painful contractions during the first few weeks of lactation.
4. Oxytocin is also present in men, playing a role in sperm movement and the production of testosterone by the testes.

Hence, oxytocin is necessary for parturition.

Note: Oxytocin is known as ‘love hormone’ or ‘cuddle hormone’ as it releases during bonding.