Is an Unborn Baby Part of a Woman’s Body?

Is an unborn baby part of a woman’s body? The Bible and science are clear on this issue.

When you visit the Creation Museum, our Fearfully & Wonderfully Made exhibit examines this question (and many more!) through the lens of Scripture and science, revealing that an unborn baby is a distinct, living human being from the very beginning.

Pregnancy also showcases God’s remarkable design in a mother’s body—let’s take a closer look at these incredible modifications.

Motherly Modifications

During the birthing process, the mother’s body undergoes specially designed changes to keep her and the baby safe.

Three joints in the mother’s pelvis loosen, causing the opening to expand so that the baby can pass through.

When the placenta detaches from the mother’s uterus, it leaves a gaping wound that would cause her to quickly bleed to death if not for special circular muscles that quickly close each of the affected vessels.

Placenta: Super Organ

In the womb, the placenta functions as the baby’s lungs, liver, kidneys, digestive system, and immune system. Although both the mother’s and baby’s blood flow through the placenta, they do not mix. If the placenta did not protect the baby in this way, the mother’s body would fight against the baby’s blood with antibodies. At birth, this selfless servant becomes unnecessary and is discarded.

Baby’s First Breath

In the first few moments after birth, many significant changes occur.

During development, blood bypasses the lungs, taking a shortcut through the heart, where it must flow in order to be pumped to the rest of the body. At birth, that shortcut closes so that blood flows to the lungs, and the bypass between the heart’s right and left atria closes.

The baby spent her first nine months in fluid, so the blood and lymph systems remove fluid from the lungs and replace it with oxygen, allowing her to take her first breath.

Start planning your trip to the Creation Museum today, and don’t miss learning about the sanctity of life from a biblical perspective through our Fearfully & Wonderfully Made exhibit.