Parturition (labour): Process of giving birth to young ones.
Parturition is induced by neuroendocrine mechanism.
The signals originating from the foetus and placenta induce mild uterine contractions (fetal ejection reflex). This causes the release of oxytocin from maternal pituitary.
Oxytocin causes stronger uterine muscle contractions which in turn stimulate further secretion of oxytocin. This process is continued leading to expulsion of the baby out of the uterus through the birth canal.
After parturition, the umbilical cord is cut off.
The placenta & remnants of umbilical cord are expelled from the maternal body after parturition. It is called “after birth”.
