Changes

[[Image:Parturition Cascade.jpg|thumb|right|150px|The Parturition Cascade, Copyright RVC 2008]]

[[Image:Parturition Cascade.jpg|thumb|right|150px|The Parturition Cascade, Copyright RVC 2008]]

Details of Oxytocin Synthesis and Secretion may be found [[Endocrine_System_-_Pituitary_Gland_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Oxytocin|here]].

Details of Oxytocin Synthesis and Secretion may be found [[Pituitary_Gland_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Oxytocin|here]].

* Oxytocin acts to:  

* Oxytocin acts to:  

* The foetus initiates parturition.

* The foetus initiates parturition.

* For parturition to occur, progesterone production by the Corpus Luteum must be terminated.

* For parturition to occur, progesterone production by the Corpus Luteum must be terminated.

* As the foetus grows in a restrictive environment it becomes stressed.  Stress leades to a rise in foetal [[Endocrine_System_-_Pituitary_Gland_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Hormones_of_the_Anterior_Pituitary_Gland|ACTH]].  The rise in ACTH causes production of Cortisol from the foetal [[Endocrine_System_-_Adrenal_Glands_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|Adrenal Glands]].

* As the foetus grows in a restrictive environment it becomes stressed.  Stress leades to a rise in foetal [[Pituitary_Gland_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Hormones_of_the_Anterior_Pituitary_Gland|ACTH]].  The rise in ACTH causes production of Cortisol from the foetal [[Adrenal_Glands_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|Adrenal Glands]].

* The rise in foetal cortisol leased to an increased Oestrogen:Progesterone ratio by upregulating '''Aromatase''' enzymes which convert Androgens to Oestrogens.  Cortisol also reduces Progesterone production.

* The rise in foetal cortisol leased to an increased Oestrogen:Progesterone ratio by upregulating '''Aromatase''' enzymes which convert Androgens to Oestrogens.  Cortisol also reduces Progesterone production.