Humans in the future may choose to live extraterrestrial lives on the Moon, Mars, or even Venus. However, the question arises of how they will continue to reproduce and survive once they get there. What happens to their reproductive systems? Is it possible for babies to be born in space?

To find answers to these questions, we interviewed space gynecologist Dr. Varsha Jain. She has published a paper from the University of Edinburgh on women and reproductive health in space.

What Does It Mean to Be a Space Gynecologist?

A space gynecologist is someone who is interested in space medicine and is also a gynecologist. Dr. Varsha Jain, the first person to be awarded this title, began this work about 10 years ago. She focuses on women’s health related to the health of astronauts.

We’ve had some huge breakthroughs for women in space, and that history starts with some pretty amazing myths. Can you tell us a few things about them?

Dr. Jain discussed how early myths caused a delay between the first woman to fly in space (Valentina Tereshkova) and the first American woman to fly in space almost 20 years later (Sally Ride). There was concern over issues like “retrograde menstruation” and how many menstrual products astronauts would need.

Have Attitudes Towards Women in Space Changed?

Dr. Jain noted a significant improvement in attitudes and how NASA supports open access and evidence-based information about female astronauts’ health. They even support the idea of female astronauts freezing their eggs before going into space.

What Happens to Our Reproductive System in Space?

Dr. Jain explained that astronauts’ hormonal cycles do not seem to change in space. Menstruation still occurs, and women can ovulate, potentially leading to fertilization and pregnancy. Although these things may be possible, the focus is currently more on keeping astronauts healthy than finding out if babies can be born in space.

What Do We Know About the Risks to Women’s Bodies and Pregnancy in Space?

Dr. Jain pointed out that radiation in space poses a risk to a developing fetus and that the effects of space travel on the body, including weightlessness and changes in blood volume, could impact pregnancy. Many unknowns still exist around this topic.

Given That There Are Still Many Gaps in Our Knowledge, How Realistic Are Plans to Start an Extraterrestrial Human Colony?

Dr. Jain believes that, while there’s much to learn and research, human curiosity will likely lead to humans colonizing other planets and moons in the future. However, she stressed that extensive research is needed to ensure the safety of such endeavors.

What Impact Could Space Travel Have on What We Know and Don’t Know?

Dr. Jain described the potential for space travel to provide answers about reproductive health and fertility. She believes that space agencies may investigate these questions in the future, potentially leading to new discoveries.

Are Citizens, Scientists, and Nations Racing to Have a Baby in Space?

Although the concept of reproductive health in space may seem fascinating, Dr. Jain emphasized the need for more funding and research in this area. She believes that reproductive health is often underfunded on Earth and that more focus and funding are necessary to understand the effects of the space environment on the human body.

About our experts

Dr. Varsha Jain is a space gynecologist at the University of Edinburgh. Her research has been published in the journals npj Microgravity, International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Developmental Cells.

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