Final answer:
Oxytocin is administered after the delivery of a baby to stimulate uterine contractions for the expulsion of the placenta. It is an essential hormone that increases the intensity of contractions through a positive feedback loop, ensuring the successful completion of labor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of administering oxytocin after the delivery of the baby is to stimulate uterine contractions during the third stage of labor. This stage involves the expulsion of the placenta. Oxytocin, an endocrine hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, plays a crucial role in childbirth. Not only does oxytocin increase during labor to promote contraction of the uterine smooth muscle, but it also facilitates the detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall.
Throughout pregnancy, oxytocin receptors increase in the uterus, which sensitizes it to the effects of oxytocin. During labor, a positive feedback mechanism ensures an adequate supply of oxytocin is available to maintain contraction intensity. If labor stalls, synthetic oxytocin (often known as Pitocin) can be administered intravenously to restart or strengthen the labor process.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is c. stimulate uterine contractions. The administration of oxytocin is not primarily for stimulating lactation, relieving postpartum pain, or sedating the mother to rest.