Final answer:
Uterine contractions in the third stage of labor are important for expelling the placenta. If labor stops beforehand, Pitocin can be used to resume contractions that facilitate cervical dilation and delivery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of uterine contraction in the third stage of labor is to expel the placenta after the baby has been born. This stage follows the delivery of the baby, where uterine contractions continue to enable the complete detachment and expulsion of the placenta from the uterine wall. If labor stops before the second stage is reached, synthetic oxytocin, often known as Pitocin, can be administered to restart and maintain contractions essential for the birth process. It's important to note that uterine contractions also play a vital role during the early stages of labor, including cervical dilation and effacement to prepare for the baby's passage.