Immediately after birth, an infant is allowed to suckle at the mother's breast. Palpation of the uterus suggests that the uterus is contracting. This finding can be attributed to:
A) secretion of oxytocin.
B) secretion of estrogen and progesterone.
C) inhibition of estrogen and progesterone.
D) inhibition of oxytocin.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The contraction of the uterus after birth is due to the secretion of oxytocin, which is released in response to suckling at the mother's breast. Oxytocin causes the muscle fibers of the uterus to contract in order to expel the placenta and prevent bleeding. Estrogen and progesterone levels also decrease after birth, but this is not the primary cause of the uterine contractions. Inhibition of oxytocin would actually prevent the uterus from contracting, so this is not the correct answer.

Immediately After Birth, an Infant Is Allowed to Suckle at the Mother's