labor and delivery questions and answers Related

Review labor and delivery questions and answers related questions and content

What changes in hormones initiate labor?

  • A. decreased progesterone, decreased estrogen, absence of oxytocin
  • B. increased progesterone, decreased estrogen, absence of oxytocin
  • C. increased progesterone, decreased estrogen, presence of oxytocin
  • D. decreased progesterone, increased estrogen, effects of oxytocin
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because decreased progesterone, increased estrogen, and the effects of oxytocin are the hormonal changes that initiate labor. Progesterone inhibits contractions, so its decrease allows labor to begin. Estrogen promotes uterine sensitivity to oxytocin, which stimulates contractions. Oxytocin is released in response to labor contractions and helps to strengthen contractions.

A: Incorrect because decreased progesterone is needed for labor to start, estrogen needs to increase, and oxytocin is present during labor.
B: Incorrect because increased progesterone inhibits labor, estrogen should increase, and oxytocin is present during labor.
C: Incorrect because progesterone should decrease, estrogen should increase, and oxytocin is present during labor.