<Li> Softening of collagen fibre structures in the cervix, vaginal, and associated tissues . </Li> <Li> Increases contraction associated proteins (i.e. connexins) </Li> <Li> Placental shedding by physiological inflammation, note pathological inflammation often leads to retention of membranes (i.e. placentitis) </Li> <P> As the HPA axis activates the posterior pituitary of the fetus begins to increase production of oxytocin, which stimulates the maternal myometrium to contract . </P>

Which of the following would indicate to the nurse that the placenta is separating