Final answer:
Medications are administered during labor to induce labor, speed up labor, and stop bleeding following delivery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of administering medications to cause uterine contractions during labor is to induce labor. These medications, such as oxytocin, help stimulate the contractions of the uterine wall, which helps to initiate and progress labor. By causing uterine contractions, these medications can speed up labor and also help to prevent or reduce bleeding following delivery by aiding in the contraction of the uterus after childbirth.