Which is an outcome of administering Oxytocin in the third stage of labor?

Administering Oxytocin in the third stage of labor results in the reduction of placental bed exposure, which is crucial for several reasons. Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and promotes uterine tone. By enhancing the contractions of the uterus after delivery, Oxytocin helps the uterus to contract effectively, which reduces the surface area of the placental bed exposed in the uterus. This is significant because a minimized placental bed exposure can help reduce the risk of hemorrhage and promote the detachment of the placenta, facilitating its delivery. The strong uterine contractions induced by Oxytocin assist in ensuring that any remaining placental tissue is expelled, thus protecting maternal health.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the physiologic actions of Oxytocin in the third stage of labor. Increased uterine size would not be an outcome during this stage, as the goal is to contract the uterus, not to enlarge it. Induction of labor pertains to initiating contractions earlier in the labor process and is not the function of Oxytocin in the third stage. Hastening cervical dilation is more relevant to the first stage of labor, where the cervix needs to open for the baby to descend; Oxytocin does not impact