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oxytocin

overview

oxytocin is a hormone released from the pituitary gland in the brain. during pregnancy, this hormone causes labour contractions to start. it also is released when a woman's breasts are stimulated by suckling or pumping, causing milk to move from the ducts and out the tiny holes in the nipple. this is called the let-down reflex. in the first few days after delivery, oxytocin also causes uterine contractions. they help shrink the uterus back to the size it was before pregnancy.

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current as of: october 2, 2023

author: healthwise staff
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