Which hormone is responsible for stimulating contractions of the uterus during childbirth?

The hormone responsible for stimulating contractions of the uterus during childbirth is oxytocin. During labor, oxytocin plays a crucial role by binding to specific receptors on the uterine muscles, leading to stronger and more frequent contractions. This is vital for the progression of labor and helps facilitate the delivery of the baby.

As the pregnancy nears term, the levels of oxytocin increase, which promotes the onset of labor. It is also important to note that oxytocin has additional roles in the body, including promoting bonding and milk ejection during breastfeeding, but its primary function in the context of childbirth is to trigger uterine contractions. Other hormones, such as adrenaline, progesterone, and estrogen, have different functions and do not directly stimulate uterine contractions during childbirth.