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After birth, the fundus contracts downward into the pelvis one centimeter each day. After two weeks the uterus will have contracted and return into the pelvis. [9] The sensation and strength of postpartum uterine contractions can be stronger in women who have previously delivered a child or children. [10]
The Ferguson reflex (also called the fetal ejection reflex) is the neuroendocrine reflex comprising the self-sustaining cycle of uterine contractions initiated by pressure at the cervix, more precisely, the internal end of cervix, or vaginal walls. It is an example of positive feedback in biology. The Ferguson reflex occurs in mammals.
From that point, pressure from the presenting part (head in vertex births or bottom in breech births), along with uterine contractions, will dilate the cervix to 10 centimeters, which is "complete." Cervical dilation is accompanied by effacement, the thinning of the cervix. General guidelines for cervical dilation: Latent phase: 0–3 centimeters
[35] [36] The second phase of labor begins when the cervix has dilated to 10 cm (4 in), which is regarded as its fullest dilation, [31] and is when active pushing and contractions push the baby along the birth canal leading to the birth of the baby. [34]
Second stage of labor starts when the cervix is dilated to 10 cm and finishes with the birth of the baby. This stage is characterized by strong contractions and active pushing by the mother. It can last from 20 minutes to 2 hours. [16] Third stage of labor starts after the birth of the baby and is finished when the placenta is delivered. [15]
It involves four stages of labour: the shortening and opening of the cervix during the first stage, descent and birth of the baby during the second, the delivery of the placenta during the third, and the recovery of the mother and infant during the fourth stage, which is referred to as the postpartum.
Histologically, the cervix undergoes significant changes towards the end of gestation, allowing the ripening of cervix for the passage of birth delivery. First, there is an increase in the cervical synthesis of glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA), which increases tissue hydration, thereby catalyzing the degradation of collagen and elastin-fibers.
Definitions of cervical weakness vary, but one that is frequently used is the inability of the uterine cervix to retain a pregnancy in the absence of the signs and symptoms of clinical contractions, or labor, or both in the second trimester. [1] Cervical weakness may cause miscarriage or preterm birth during the