[Counting our Blessings]

Does anyone know what causes a your body to go into labor and signal baby is done?

I'm just curious. My babies have been born anywhere from 38.5-42 weeks and all were healthy, and good sized. Just curious why some need a month more?

[GranolaMama]

Without looking up any specifics, In a healthy stress-free mom; There is a hormone that baby releases which signals mom's body to go into labor. I'm trying to remember what causes the hormone to be released though; maybe when the lungs are mature?

[jhmomofmany]

^^ Yes, this is what I've read, also. That when the lungs are sufficiently mature Baby releases a hormone which signals mom's body that it's all systems go.

[~~Que~~]

Yup, it's the lungs. And the mother also has a hormonal shift that affects labor too. It's a dance between two people. I think it's amazing.

Here is a great article about hormones in labor- it sort of talks about the beginning of labor...

Ecstatic Birth - Mothering Community

[Counting our Blessings]

Amazing... Just amazing.

Thanks for the article!

I'm not in a hurry to have this little one, well not yet , but was just curious what started it. I love the all systems go....to funny!

To think our bodies work together like that. Wow.

[alittlelost]

fetal lung protein is released when the baby's lungs are mature and that triggers labor.

[Genipher]

So how does this work with overdue babies? My son was 2-3ish weeks overdue...I actually took castor oil to "force" him out. Could it be possible that his lungs weren't fully developed?
It really makes me wonder because he's the only one of my kids that has asthma issues...