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The Role of Oxytocin in Parturition
Published in Gabor Huszar, The Physiology and Biochemistry of the Uterus in Pregnancy and Labor, 2020
OT release is effected by a neural stimulus arriving at the hypothalamic magnocel-lular neurons of the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. The ascending pathways from the peripheral sensory organs have been assumed to follow the spinal cord: in lactating rabbits transection of the cord at the level of T4/T5 inhibited milk ejection, providing evidence for this assumption.43 The neural pathways involved in OT release during parturition are not known. There is evidence in some species, particularly the ewe and cow,44,45 that cervical and especially vaginal stimulation causes OT release, but this so-called Ferguson reflex has not been demonstrated in all species.46 Since the nerve pathways in the spinal cord are believed to form part of the ascending arch of this reflex, it is of interest to examine the effect of spinal cord lesions on the process of parturition.
Birth experience and breastfeeding
Published in Amy Brown, Wendy Jones, A Guide to Supporting Breastfeeding for the Medical Profession, 2019
There are a number of studies that have identified a link between pain relief during labour and subsequent infant feeding behaviours. Pethidine is recognised as subduing the infant, leading to decreased rooting for the nipple, a weaker suck and a poorer latch (Nissen et al. 1996). Epidurals have also been linked to a shorter breastfeeding duration, partly but independently from their association with caesarean birth (Jordan 2005). Mothers who have an epidural have lower levels of oxytocin after the birth (Goodfellow et al. 1983). It is thought that the anaesthetic blocks feeling of the Ferguson reflex, which is associated with oxytocin release (Levy et al. 1992).
Reproductive system
Published in David Sturgeon, Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology for Healthcare Students, 2018
The walls of the uterus are comprised of three layers of tissue known as the perimetrium, myometrium and endometrium. The perimetrium (peri + metrium = around + womb) covers most of outer uterine surface and is continuous with the peritoneum discussed in Chapter 11. The myometrium (muscle + uterus) consists of a thick layer of smooth muscle that is able to accommodate the growing foetus during the gestation period. It is also able to contract with sufficient force to push the baby through the vagina during birth. In Chapter 3, we noted that this process is triggered by sustained pressure from the baby’s head on the internal surface of the cervix, resulting in secretion of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary gland (the Ferguson reflex). The final layer of the uterus is the endometrium (inner + uterus) that consists of a sheet of columnar epithelium resting on a supporting framework of connective tissue (stroma). The connective tissue is highly vascular and varies in thickness according to the quantity of oestrogen and progesterone secreted during the menstrual cycle (see below).
The Health Benefits of Sexual Expression
Published in International Journal of Sexual Health, 2021
Woet L. Gianotten, Jenna C. Alley, Lisa M. Diamond
Several aspects of sexual stimulation can have a function to induce labor and to keep the childbirth process going. Among them are nipple stimulation (with increased oxytocin), massage (with increased oxytocin), vaginal penetration (with increased oxytocin by the Ferguson reflex), intravaginal, oral, or anal ejaculation (with increased prostaglandin E2), genital stimulation (with increased endorphins), and orgasm (can be strong and tonic in the last part of pregnancy) (Kavanagh et al., 2005).