jtotheizzoe:

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The very first video of a human birth seen in an MRI

This is truly amazing. Also, filed under “Exhibit A” in the “Reasons to Respect Mothers” folder, as this looks rather … uncomfortable.

In scientific terms, this illustrates perfectly how the human pelvis has evolved to be in balance with brain size at birth, and that our transition to walking upright was a tough one when it came to having bigger and bigger heads. If it weren’t for our head’s “soft spot” at birth, childbirth in an walking primate would be even more difficult than it already is.

Bonus: Here’s a story at New Scientist with details on how this was done, with bonus links to other “interesting” MRI experiences.