Biology Tutorials > Developmental Biology > Birth of a Human Baby

Birth of a Human Baby

Birth of a Human Baby

The human birthing process

Continued from the previous tutorials, Fertilization and Fetal Growth and Development.

The baby soon outgrows the energy requirements that the placenta previously met, and is time to be conceived into the open world by the mother.

Stages of the Birth Process

Stage 1 – between 8 to 10 minutes

The release of oxytocin, a hormone, instructs the mother’s body that the food supply for the baby can no longer be met, which bring about contractions in the mother and soften the tissue of the cervix where the baby will pass through.

The ‘waters then break’ caused by the pressure of the contractions, the amniotic fluid which once surrounded the fetus is released.

Stage 2 – delivering the baby – 30+ minutes

This is where the baby is pushed down the cervix through the vagina, out to the open world. This is the hardest stage of labor, and it involves the mother ‘pushing’ with the contractions to force the baby out. This is a natural behavioral response in the mother due to the pain involved in getting the baby out.

Stage 3 – afterbirth

This is where the placenta is excreted after the newly born baby, as it is no longer required in the body and has served its function. The newly born baby must survive in the open world with its maternal parents there to help them learn, grow up healthily and care for.

The next tutorial investigates contraception, used to prevent pregnancy which although it is morally disputed, can be beneficial depending on your point of view. Contraception is not accepted in all parts of the world due to cultural and religious beliefs, but are a way to prevent intercourse leading to pregnancy.

 

Credit: jordanharrish vlog

Quiz

These are the birthing events. Arrange the events in the typical or general order, starting from 1 to 5 (last).

Send Your Results (Optional)

Biology Tutorials > Developmental Biology > Birth of a Human Baby

You will also like...

squirrel
Animal Water Regulation

Animals adapt to their environment in aspects of anatomy, physiology, and behavior. This tutorial will help you understa..

Plant Water Regulation
Plant Water Regulation

Plants need to regulate water in order to stay upright and structurally stable. Find out the different evolutionary adap..

Water Cycle
The Water Cycle

The water cycle (also referred to as the hydrological cycle) is a system of continuous transfer of water from the air, s..

Adaptation Tutorial
Adaptation Tutorial

Adaptation, in biology and ecology, refers to the process or trait through which organisms or the populations in a habit..

Plant biology
Plant Biology

Plantlife can be studied at a variety of levels, from the molecular, genetic and biochemical level through organelles, c..

Early Earth
The Origins of Life

This tutorial digs into the past to investigate the origins of life. The section is split into geological periods in the..