GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -During natural labor, uterine contractions increase in intensity and force the fetus into the birth canal. Stretch of the cervix causes the reflex release of additional oxytocin from the posterior pituitary, further increasing the strength of uterine contractions in a positive feedback cycle.

Detailed explanation-2: -This causes the cervix to relax and thin out (efface). As the cervix thins out, it also begins to open (dilate). Once you are 100% effaced and 10 centimeters dilated, you are ready to push.

Detailed explanation-3: -During childbirth, the muscles at the top of your uterus contract and push your baby towards your cervix. If your baby is facing head-down, the head will press on your cervix. This, along with the release of the hormone oxytocin (see ‘How hormones help you give birth’, below), brings on contractions.

Detailed explanation-4: -During the ripening and dilatation phase, the cervical smooth muscle cells are not just a passive responder to uterine contractions but independently initiate their own contractions. Contraction and relaxation of the cervical smooth muscle may be involved in cervical dilatation during labor and delivery.

Detailed explanation-5: -The hormone oxytocin has been identified as inducing uterine contractions, and labour in general. Oxytocin is produced by the body naturally and since the 1950s has also been available in synthetic pharmaceutical form. In either form, oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions to accelerate the process of childbirth.