Final answer:
Stress hormones, including oxytocin and prostaglandins, are produced during labor and help stimulate uterine contractions and push the baby through the birth canal. They are part of a positive feedback loop that leads to increased contraction intensity, dilation of the cervix, and the eventual delivery of the baby, arousing the infant into alertness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is regarding the role of stress hormones produced by the baby during labor and delivery. It is important to clarify that stress hormones, including oxytocin and prostaglandins, play a crucial role in the process of childbirth. The contractions during labor are initiated by the stretching of the cervix, which signals the release of oxytocin from the pituitary gland.
Oxytocin then stimulates further contractions of the uterus, which helps push the baby down the birth canal. Additionally, the placenta releases prostaglandins, which intensify these contractions. This positive feedback loop results in increased contractions intensity and frequency, leading to the dilation of the cervix and eventual delivery of the baby. Therefore, the stress hormones produced by the baby during labor and delivery arouse the infant into alertness, as they are part of the natural process that supports childbirth