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 during labor, progesterone levels decrease, estrogen levels increase, and oxytocin plays a key role in initiating contractions. Progesterone inhibits contractions, so its decrease is necessary for labor to start. Estrogen helps stimulate uterine contractions. Oxytocin, released from the brain, triggers and enhances contractions.
Option A is incorrect because an absence of oxytocin would not initiate labor. Option B is incorrect because increased progesterone would inhibit labor. Option C is incorrect because oxytocin is needed to initiate labor.