Uterine Contractions During the First Stage of Labor Are Necessary

Uterine contractions during the first stage of labor are necessary to

A) speed up the process of delivery.
B) move the baby down toward the birth canal.
C) pull the cervix upward to form a continuous birth canal.
D) fatigue the uterine muscles so they will relax and release the baby.
E) harden and tighten the cervix so it can withstand the birth process.