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What Happens If Someone Gives Birth In Space? Scientist Reveals Biggest Hurdle in New Study

In space, a pregnant mother and her embryo could face significant danger from cosmic rays, which impact cellular structure as well as facilitate mutations.

BY SOMDATTA MAITY

PUBLISHED 15 HOURS AGO

Astronaut on a black background levitating in an outer space. - stock photo
Getty Images | photo by Ignatiev — Astronaut on a black background levitating in an outer space. - stock photo Getty Images | photo by Ignatiev

Arun Vivian Holden, emeritus professor of computational biology at the University of Leeds, conducted an in-depth research to understand whether pregnancy and delivery are possible in space, and if so, what are the associated risks. The results were published in the journal Experimental Physiology. His insights are valuable, especially now, when the journey and settlement to Mars are slowly becoming an achievable dream for humankind. Pregnancy, being a common step in human life, needs to be accounted for in this journey and settlement. These insights could aid in making the process easier in the world beyond.

Woman Holding Pair of Toddler Blue Shoes (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Daniel Reche)

Conception and Microgravity

Pregnancy by its very nature is a complicated procedure, as stated by the lead author, per The Conversation. Around two-thirds of the total conceived human embryos lose the battle for life in their mother's womb. Sometimes these losses happen so early that even individuals are unaware of their pregnancy. It is a sensitive procedure that needs to be monitored carefully, even on Earth, and hence, space presents a new challenge.

Holden believes that conception would be "physically awkward" in space due to microgravity, but if it goes through, the 'near-weightlessness' would not be a big issue for pregnancy. He claims that the growing foetus is already in a microgravity-like state inside the mother's womb. Further examinations have proven that the foetus floats in neutrally buoyant amniotic fluid, where they are cushioned and suspended. If the growing foetus receives all the required nutrients from the outside, then their health must not be affected even if the mother is in a microgravity-like situation.

Timeline of development. P0 to P10 are probabilities of successfully completing the processes of ejaculation P0, ovulation P1, fertilization P2, blastocyst formation P3, implantation P4, gastrulation P5, placentation P6, organogenesis P7, gross morphogenesis P8, birth P9 and neonatal development P10, given the preceding event has occurred (Image Source: Experimental Physiology)

Holden does point out that a foetus's expected smooth survival does not imply that they will have an easy delivery and rearing in space. This is because zero gravity in space does not allow anything to stay still. It could cause problems with aspects like positioning, which is crucial for surgery, and feeding, which is pivotal for rearing. Furthermore, the young baby could have significantly reduced postural reflexes and coordination in such an environment, which would affect its lifestyle.

Danger of Cosmic Rays

Holden deems the biggest threat against the growing foetus to be cosmic rays. Cosmic rays are "bare" atomic nuclei with high energy that race through space at the speed of light. The nuclei is bare, as it does not contain any electrons, and is a collection of protons and neutrons. If this dense core clashes with the human body, it could facilitate cellular damage. On Earth, these cosmic rays cannot impact humans due to the thick atmospheric layer and protection provided by the planet's magnetic field. In space, there is none of it, making humans and foetuses a target.

Holden believes that if a clash between the human body and cosmic rays indeed happens, then the struck atom in the former will be stripped of its electrons and also lose certain protons and neutrons. It would lead to a transformation into a very unique sort of isotope or element. The change may result in localized injury, where some cells or portions of cells are hurt, but the rest of the body remains stable. Even if the cell manages to survive without changes, aftereffects, like inflammation, need to be dealt with after the strike. The inflammation is a sign of the immune system being in overdrive, releasing inessential chemicals that can damage healthy tissues and disrupt bodily function. If the cosmic rays manage to hit DNA, it can facilitate mutations, which might increase the likelihood of cancer.

Human embryonic cardiovascular system. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | SEBASTIAN KAULITZKI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY)

Problems During Pregnancy

After the first month of fertilization, the embryonic cells begin to quickly divide and move, as well as form new tissues. For this process to continue smoothly, the sensitive embryo must stay safe during this phase. If the embryo is hit by cosmic rays in this period, it may perish from the impact. Such a scenario is not very likely, as the embryo at this stage is very small, and there is a high chance that cosmic rays miss it in their path. The foetus and uterus begin growing quickly after the formation of placental circulation during pregnancy.

Holden claims that it is at this stage that cosmic rays could be lethal. The uterus's growth makes the organ a viable target for the rays, which, through their force, can induce contractions, resulting in a premature delivery. Such a delivery would be risky to perform in space, where the range of equipment and resources present on Earth may not be available. However, that doesn't mean it is impossible. After the delivery, the growing baby would again become a target for cosmic rays, which could hinder their growth processes. Holden eventually concludes that pregnancy and delivery are indeed possible in space. Though the process, along with rearing, carries significant challenges that need to be dealt with before, humans can consider the possibility.