The characteristics of physiological contractions

These include:

• Initiated at the junction between the uterus and the ovarian ducts, which results in the shortening of the body of the uterus before the lower part of the uterus.

• Relaxation occurs at all parts of the uterus simultaneously.

• The duration of the contraction is longest at the fundus of the uterus.

• The strength of the contraction decreases from the fundus of the uterus distally.

• The above characteristics allow for the lower parts to be pulled by the upper uterus, which results in the effacement and dilatation of the cervix.