Maternal Hypothalamic Control of Labor

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the maternal hypothalamic control of labor. Three links between the maternal hypothalamus and the uterine contractions of labor can be established—namely, (1) anterior pituitary, ovary, estrogen and progesterone, (2) posterior pituitary, oxytocin and the Ferguson reflex, (3) autonomic nervous system, catecholamines and stress. The contractions of the uterus, as expressed in labor, are subject to a variety of physical, hormonal and neural constraints. Hippocrates expressed remarkable foresight on postulating a role for the fetus in the organization of birth. The physical task of delivering the young is still the prerogative of the mother. The role of mother is far from “passive” and control is exercised to determine the exact hour of birth on that final day of gestation. Such dual control embodies a most sound rationale. The fetus is the best judge of its own maturity (or viability); the mother has the faculties to assess the environmental factors which will govern survival at the time of birth.