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The Magical Moment of Birth - a Biochemical Perspective

Abstract:

Roughly 40 weeks from the date of the last menstrual period or 38 weeks after conception human labour begins. What causes labour to begin? This is not just an academic question. An understanding and appreciation of the basic biochemistry and physiology involved makes it easier to support women in labour by optimising the natural processes involved, as well as confronting the problems of preterm (or post term) labour. Normal length of gestation is highly species specific and in general labour occurs when the growing fetus has lost the need for dependence on the respiratory and excretory functions of the mother. Therefore the timing of parturition is closely related to the stage of maturity of the fetus.

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biochemistry of birth, birth triggers, cervical ripeness, initiation of labour, physiology of birth, uterine contractility