Functions of oxytocin

Some breathing techniques during labor consist in inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth.

Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland whose main function is to trigger contractions of the uterus at the time of labour, increasing dilation of the cervix. In addition to triggering labour, another function attributed to oxytocin is that of milk ejection during lactation.

This hormone is also known as the love hormone, as it is involved in sexual arousal.