Question
Explain the process of parturition.
✓
Answer
Parturition is the process of giving birth to a baby.
The physical activities involved in parturition like uterine and abdominal contractions, dilation of cervix and passage of baby are collectively called labour. Labour is accompanied by a localised sensation of discomfort or agony called labour pains.
Parturition involves the following three steps:
The physical activities involved in parturition like uterine and abdominal contractions, dilation of cervix and passage of baby are collectively called labour. Labour is accompanied by a localised sensation of discomfort or agony called labour pains.
Parturition involves the following three steps:
- Dilation stage: Uterine contractions begin from the top, forcing the baby towards the cervix. Contractions are accompanied by pain caused by compression of blood vessels. Oxytocin induces uterine contractions which become stronger and stronger due to stimulatory reflex. As the baby is pushed down in the uterus, its head comes to lie against the cervix. The cervix gets dilated and the vagina also shows similar dilation. This stage of labour can normally last up to a few hours. It ends in rupturing of an amniotic sac of a foetus.
- Expulsion stage: During this stage, the uterine and abdominal contractions become stronger. In a normal delivery, the foetus passes out through the cervix and vagina with the head in a forwarding direction. It takes around 20 to 60 minutes. The umbilical cord is tied and cut off close to the baby’s navel.
- After birth: After the delivery of the baby the placenta separates from the uterus and is expelled out as “after birth”, due to severe contractions of the uterus. This process happens within 10 to 45 minutes of delivery.
Need a full question paper?
Generate a complete, print-ready paper with questions like this in minutes — across 16+ boards, with answer keys.
Explore more
Similar questions
Name any three types of postmating isolating mechanisms.
Complete the chart of plasticity.
What is biogas? Write in brief about the production process.
Give reasons for the development of Turner’s syndrome and also mention its symptoms.
Name any three enzymes used in industry and explain their importance.
Why is breast-feeding recommended during the initial period of an infant’s growth? Give reasons.
Why should we conserve biodiversity? How can we do it?OR
Why should we conserve biodiversity? Why is it a moral as well as social duty to contribute towards its protection?
Why should we conserve biodiversity? Why is it a moral as well as social duty to contribute towards its protection?
It is commonly observed that parents feel embarrassed to discuss freely with their adolescent children about sexuality and reproduction. The result of this parental inhibition is that the children go astray sometimes.
- Explain the reasons that you feel are behind such embarrassment amongst some parents to freely discuss such issues with their growing children.
- By taking one example of a local plant and animal, how would you help these parents to overcome such inhibitions about reproduction and sexuality?
Predation is usually referred to as a detrimental association. State any three positive roles that a predator plays in an ecosystem.
Explain the following terms with respect to survival of an organism in a changed environment.
(i) Regulate
(ii) Conform
(iii) Migrate
(i) Regulate
(ii) Conform
(iii) Migrate