Is childbirth possible in outerspace?

Question

Are there any speculative data, or theories, about what childbirth would be like in outerspace (such as in a spacecraft)? Could a normal vaginal birth take place under such conditions? How could the infant survive? Have there been animal studies? I won't even bring up the issue of what nationality the baby would be considered... thanks

Answer 1

Women give birth in bath tubs, swimming pools and even open sea to make the transition from uterus to the outside world less stressful for a child (whether it's good or not is still argued about). In this respect zero-gravity condition would make it even less stressful.

Nationality of the baby is simple - it's determined by laws of the country which the spacecraft belongs to and parent's nationality (similar to children born in Antarctica)

Answer 2

The childbirth it self, i think it's possible.
But i think it would be negative for the infant, because in outerspace there's no gravity. Human (or any other animals) tend to become weaker in a zero gravity circumstances, because we don't need to use much of our muscles to move. (That's why astronauts spend time exercising in space shuttle---to keep their muscles working). The baby woudn't be accustomed to gravity on earth, and when he comes home he would be weak.

Answer 3

Certainly. Muscular contractions force the baby from the womb; gravity is not needed.

Answer 4

I don't see why it isn't possible, but would the baby survive with its muscle mass greatly reduced because less gravity means you work less

Answer 5

They can insert a little suction-cup thingie on the baby's head to pull him out.

Answer 6

Don't see why not - they can do everything else involving that part of the body in space.

Answer 7

it would be born the same way it is here on earth. y wouldnt it be?