Read the given passage and answer the following questions :

The average duration of human pregnancy is about 9 months which is called the gestation period. Vigorous contraction of the uterus at the end of pregnancy causes expulsion/delivery of the foetus. This process of delivery of the foetus (childbirth) is called parturition. Parturition is induced by a complex neuroendocrine mechanism. The signals for parturition originate from the fully developed foetus and the placenta which induce mild uterine contractions called foetal ejection reflex. This triggers release of oxytocin from the maternal pituitary. Oxytocin acts on the uterine muscle and causes stronger uterine contractions, which in turn stimulates further secretion of oxytocin. The stimulatory reflex between the uterine contraction and oxytocin secretion continues resulting in stronger and stronger contractions. This leads to expulsion of the baby out of the uterus through the birth canal – parturition. Soon after the infant is delivered, the placenta is also expelled out of the uterus. The mammary glands of the female undergo differentiation during pregnancy and starts producing milk towards the end of pregnancy by the process called lactation. This helps the mother in feeding the new- born. The milk produced during the initial few days of lactation is called colostrum which contains several antibodies absolutely essential to develop resistance for the new-born babies. Breast-feeding during the initial period of infant growth is recommended by doctors for bringing up a healthy baby.

What is the average duration of human pregnancy called?

Gestation period

The correct answer is Option (1) – Gestation period

The average duration of human pregnancy is called the gestation period. This term refers to the time from conception to birth, which typically lasts about nine months or approximately 40 weeks. During this period, the fetus develops inside the mother's womb. The other terms listed refer to different aspects of pregnancy and childbirth:

• Lactation period: The time during which the mother produces milk to feed the newborn.
• Parturition period: The process of childbirth or the delivery of the baby.

The correct term for the duration of pregnancy is gestation period.