Questions: Placental Hormones Which placental hormones help with contractions of the uterus? Select all that apply. Relaxin Oxytocin Progesterone Prostaglandins Estrogens

The hormones that help with contractions of the uterus are:

• Oxytocin
• Prostaglandins

Explanation for each option:

1. Relaxin: This hormone primarily helps to relax the ligaments in the pelvis and soften and widen the cervix in preparation for childbirth. It does not directly cause uterine contractions.

2. Oxytocin: This hormone is crucial for stimulating uterine contractions during labor. It is often used medically to induce labor.

3. Progesterone: This hormone helps maintain the uterine lining for pregnancy and generally inhibits uterine contractions during pregnancy. Its levels drop towards the end of pregnancy to allow labor to begin.

4. Prostaglandins: These are a group of lipids that can induce labor by promoting uterine contractions. They play a significant role in the initiation of labor.

5. Estrogens: While estrogens help prepare the uterus for labor by increasing the number of oxytocin receptors, they do not directly cause contractions.

In summary, the hormones that help with contractions of the uterus are oxytocin and prostaglandins.