Pregnancy in Space

In 2007 a cockroach called Nadezhda, meaning hope in Russian, was the first Earth creature to give birth in outer space. The cockroach conceived and gave birth to 33 young in microgravity on the FOTON-M3 spacecraft. The young matured faster than usual in space but seemed normal.

Rats that were taken to space for part of their gestation period were brought back to Earth to give birth. The baby rats were born without the ability to right themselves. The scientific study revealed that gravity was important for the proper development of the fetus.

No human baby has been conceived in space yet. In fact no pregnant astronaut has spent time in space either. The results from this science project mean that we are unsure about human ability to reproduce in space. If studies conducted so far are considered, it seems that gravity is essential for the normal development of a human fetus.

For this end future spacecrafts may need to include special centrifuge cabins where artificial gravity can be maintained for a pregnant member of the crew. This set up may be necessary on long term missions such as the trip to colonize Mars that NASA seems to be considering. Although I feel it’s going to be a while before we actually see a child being conceived and delivered in outer space.