What is the process of giving birth in mice called? - briefly
The birthing process in mice is termed «parturition». It consists of coordinated uterine contractions that result in the delivery of the litter.
What is the process of giving birth in mice called? - in detail
The birthing event in laboratory rodents is termed parturition. Gestation in the common house mouse lasts approximately 19–21 days; parturition commences when fetal maturation triggers a hormonal cascade. Elevated estrogen and declining progesterone sensitize uterine myometrium, while a surge of oxytocin induces coordinated uterine contractions. Prostaglandin release further amplifies contractility, facilitating cervical dilation.
Labor progresses through three observable phases:
- Pre‑delivery (pre‑labour) – nest building, reduced activity, and abdominal swelling become evident.
- Delivery (labour) – rhythmic uterine contractions expel pups in succession; each neonate emerges head‑first, attached to an umbilical cord that is promptly severed by maternal licking.
- Post‑delivery (post‑labour) – the dam cleans the litter, initiates nursing, and releases prolactin to sustain milk production.
Typical litter size ranges from five to eight pups, though variation occurs with strain and environmental conditions. Pup positioning within the birth canal follows a caudal‑to‑cranial order, minimizing intra‑uterine crowding. After expulsion, the mother performs vigorous grooming, stimulating respiration and thermoregulation in the neonates.
Hormonal regulation extends beyond labour. Oxytocin continues to support milk let‑down, while prolactin maintains lactation. The dam’s scent markers and nest material provide thermal insulation, crucial during the first 24 hours when pups are unable to regulate body temperature. Survival rates improve markedly when the mother remains undisturbed, as stress can disrupt the hormonal milieu and impede nursing behavior.
In experimental settings, monitoring of parturition includes recording gestational length, noting the onset of nesting, and counting pup numbers at birth. These parameters serve as indicators of reproductive health and are essential for breeding colony management.