Creating a child in space looks like science fiction. Find out why this can continue like this.
While the plans for the Mars Missions accelerate, doubts also increase the way the human body can face it. A return trip to the red planet would give time more than enough to someone to get pregnant and even give light. But could a pregnancy be conceived and taken safely in space? And what would have happened to a child born from the earth?
Most of us rarely consider the risks we survive before birth. For example, about two thirds of human embryos do not live enough to be born and most of the losses occur in the first weeks after fertilization, often even before the person knows they are pregnant. These early and unnoticed losses usually occur when an embryo does not develop correctly or successfully implanted on the wall of the uterus.
Pregnancy can be understood as a chain of biological goals. Everyone must occur in the correct order and each has a certain possibility of success. On earth, these possibilities can be estimated through clinical research and biological models. My latest research explores how these same phases can be influenced by the extreme conditions of the interplanetary space.
The microgravity, the almost absence of weight experienced during space flights, would make the conception more uncomfortable, but probably would not interfere much with pregnancy after the embryo system.
However, giving light and taking care of a newborn would be much more difficult in zero gravity. After all, in space, nothing is stopped. The fluids float. Even people. This makes the birth and care of a child a much more complicated and confused process than on earth, where gravity helps in everything, from positioning to food.
At the same time, the developing fetus is already growing in something like microgravity. It flows into a neutral amniotic liquid inside the uterus, damaged and suspended. In fact, astronauts train for space excursions in water tanks designed to imitate weight. In this sense, the uterus is already a microgravity simulator.
But gravity is only a part of the scenario.
Radiation
Outside the protective layers of the earth, there is a more dangerous threat: cosmic rays. They are high energy particles – “stripped” atomic nuclei or “nudes” – which cross the space almost at the speed of light. They are atoms that have lost all their electrons, leaving only the dense nucleus of protons and neutrons. When these naked nuclei collide with the human body, they can cause serious cellular damage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcolhmfbhdg
Here on Earth, we are protected by most of the cosmic radiation from the dense atmosphere of the planet and, depending on the hour of the day, for tens of thousands to millions of kilometers of the roof of the Earth’s magnetic field. In space, this protection disappears.
When a cosmic radius crosses the human body, it can reach an atom, remove its electrons and clash with its nucleus, eliminating protons and neutrons and leaving a different element or isotope. This can cause extremely localized damage, which means that individual cells, or cellular parts, are destroyed, while the rest of the body may not be influenced. Sometimes lightning passes straight without reaching anything. But if it reaches DNA, it can cause mutations that increase the risk of cancer.
Even when cells survive, radiation can trigger inflammatory responses. This means that the immune system reacts exaggeratedly, releasing chemicals that can damage healthy tissues and interrupt the function of the organs.
In the first weeks of pregnancy, embryonic cells are dividing themselves rapidly, moving and forming the first tissues and structures. In order for the development to continue, the embryo must remain practicable during this delicate process. The first month after fertilization is the most vulnerable period.
A single impact of the high energy cosmic radius at this stage could be lethal for the embryo. However, the embryo is very small and cosmic rays, although dangerous, are relatively rare. Therefore, a direct impact is unlikely. If this happens, it would probably entail an unnoticed abortion.
Risks of pregnancy
As pregnancy advances, the risks change. When the placental circulation – the blood flow system that connects the mother and fetus – is completely formed at the end of the first quarter, the fetus and uterus grow quickly.
This growth represents a larger goal. Now it is more likely that a cosmic radius reaches the uterine muscle, which could trigger contractions and cause premature birth. And although the neonatal intensive care has improved a lot, first the child is born, the greater the risk of complications, especially in space.
On earth, pregnancy and childbirth are already risks. In space, these risks are expanded, but not necessarily prohibitive.
But development does not end with birth. A space born in space would continue to grow in microgravity, which could interfere with postural reflections and coordination. These are the instincts that help the child learn to lift their heads, sit, crawl and finally walk: all the movements that depend on gravity. Without this sense of “up” and “down”, these skills can develop in very different ways.
And the risk of radiation does not disappear. The brain of a child continues to grow after birth and prolonged exposure to cosmic rays can cause permanent damage and can affect cognition, memory, behavior and long -term health.
So a child could be born in space?
In theory, yes. But until we protect the embryos from radiation, avoid premature birth and ensure that children can grow in safety in microgravity, space pregnancy remains a high -risk experiment, which we are not yet ready to try.
Arun Vivian Holden does not consult, works, has actions or receives funding from any company or organization that can benefit from the publication of this article and has not revealed any relevant bonds beyond its academic position.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
