In a pregnant woman with prolonged labour pains, child birth can be hastened by administering a hormone that can

Options

A. activate the smooth muscles
B. increase the metabolic rate
C. release glucose into the blood
D. stimulate the ovary

Answer

To solve the question regarding how to hasten childbirth in a pregnant woman with prolonged labor pains, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Context of Labor**: Recognize that labor is a process that occurs when a pregnancy reaches its term, typically around 9 months. The body prepares for childbirth through a series of hormonal signals.

**Hint**: Think about the duration of pregnancy and the physiological changes that occur as it approaches term.

2. **Identify the Role of Hormones**: During labor, specific hormones are released that facilitate the process. The key hormone involved in stimulating uterine contractions is oxytocin.

**Hint**: Recall the hormones associated with childbirth and their functions.

3. **Source of Oxytocin**: Understand that oxytocin is synthesized in the hypothalamus but released from the posterior pituitary gland. This hormone plays a crucial role in initiating and sustaining uterine contractions.

**Hint**: Consider where hormones are produced and where they act in the body.

4. **Function of Oxytocin**: Recognize that oxytocin activates the smooth muscles of the uterus, leading to contractions that help in the delivery of the baby.

**Hint**: Think about how muscle contractions are essential for the physical process of childbirth.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, administering oxytocin to a pregnant woman with prolonged labor pains can hasten childbirth by promoting uterine contractions.

**Hint**: Summarize the effects of the hormone on the labor process.

### Final Answer:
In a pregnant woman with prolonged labor pains, childbirth can be hastened by administering the hormone **oxytocin**, which stimulates uterine contractions.