Question

Even though episiotomy procedures are declining, why might this medical procedure be performed before or during childbirth?

2). Name and explain the function of the various hormones that regulate lactation. Where are they produced, and how would you summarize their function and their influence on lactation?

Answer 1

Episiotomy :  An episiotomy is an incision made in the perineum the tissue between the vaginal opening and the anal  during childbirth

Once a routine part of childbirth, an episiotomy is now recommended only in certain cases.

Risk factors:

Episiotomy recovery is uncomfortable, and sometimes the surgical incision is more extensive than a natural tear would have been. Infection is possible. For some women, an episiotomy causes pain during sex in the months after delivery.

A midline episiotomy puts you at risk of fourth-degree vaginal tearing, which extends through the anal sphincter and into the mucous membrane that lines the rectum. Fecal incontinence is a possible complication.

2. Hormones involved in lactation :

  Hormonal control of milk production. There are two hormones that directly affect breastfeeding

1. Prolactin 2. Oxytocin

A number of other hormones, such as oestrogen, are involved indirectly in lactation

Prolactin produced from anterior pituitary

Oxytocin produced from posterior pituitary

Function : 1.prolactin

Prolactin is necessary for the secretion of milk by the cells of the alveoli. The level of prolactin in the blood increases markedly during pregnancy, and stimulates the growth and development of the mammary tissue, in preparation for the production of milk . However, milk is not secreted then, because progesterone and oestrogen, the hormones of pregnancy, block this action of prolactin. After delivery, levels of progesterone and oestrogen fall rapidly, prolactin is no longer blocked, and milk secretion begins.

2. Oxytocin : Oxytocin makes the myoepithelial cells around the alveoli contract. This makes the milk, which has collected in the alveoli, flow along and fill the ducts. Sometimes the milk is ejected in fine streams.