Parturition is the:

The correct answer is Option (2) → Delivery of the foetus

Option (1) End of pregnancy — Incorrect. Parturition is the act of birth, not just the end of pregnancy.

Option (2) Delivery of the foetus — Correct. Parturition is the process of delivering the fully developed foetus, that is, childbirth. It is brought about by strong contractions of the uterus, set off by the foetal ejection reflex and oxytocin.

Option (3) Movements of the foetus during pregnancy — Incorrect. The first movements of the foetus are usually seen during the fifth month of pregnancy. They are a sign of the growing foetus, not its delivery. Parturition comes only at the end of pregnancy.

Option (4) Distension of uterus — Incorrect. The uterus stretches as the foetus grows, but stretching is not delivery. Parturition is the expulsion of the foetus by vigorous contraction of the uterus at the end of pregnancy.

NCERT Extract:
Parturition and Lactation – “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.”