7 Fascinating Fetal Facts That Will Blow Your Mind

[@MamaDoctorJones]

Some of you seem intent on making this video into an argument for policing the body of pregnant people. No matter how interesting fetal anatomy and physiology are, a fetus (like every other human) is still not given the right to use a breathing human’s body without their ongoing and enthusiastic consent. You will be removed from this page if you highjack this very interesting topic to try and reduce the autonomy of an adult human to access legal medical care. ✌️

[@KxNOxUTA]

This is precious. Thank you so much for being proactive about this. It feels like a safe place to be, and I don't even plan for kids (but am ineviably at risk for said need for medical health care, via birth....it's not "right", it's ... "circumstances" at best, I suppose!). And yet I adore learning about the anatomy and what goes on in ppl and what my own journey was as a kid.

[@oktumor7400]

My son had HLHS and was born at 29 weeks. Because he was a preemie, his PD never closed, which was a good thing with HLHS. But he had to grow and get stronger before he could have his first open heart surgery, and over time his PD started closing, so he had to be given prostaglandin to keep it open as long as possible. He also had situs inversus & horseshoe lungs. He had 4 open heart surgeries, including a transplant at 6 months, but passed at 10 months after developing PTLD and cellular & vascular rejection. Despite all that, he had an amazing, love filled life. Learned to crawl shortly before he passed away but was nearly at his corrected age despite all his hospital stays and surgeries. He was my little super man.

[@Emthe30something]

I enthusiastically consent for you to inject knowledge into my brain, Dr. Jones.

[@MamaDoctorJones]

@@oktumor7400 I’m so sorry for your loss. It sounds like he was a very strong boy who left a beautiful legacy. ♥️

[@llamainyamama3088]

I’ve never thought about that, I think that’s a really good point about the mother’s consent. I’ve always been pro choice, and your reason it’s definitely why I am. Just never found the words to describe it.

[@veronicamcdowell2668]

Just wanted to thank you for your informative videos! At 28 weeks, we discovered my baby had stopped growing at 24 weeks. When I was in the hospital for monitoring, I woke up with severe pain in my side and knew that I had developed pre-eclampsia thanks to your videos! I was able to tell the nurse and boom, 2 hours later my baby was born! He was 1lb 13 oz and was in the NICU for 3.5 months. Now we have a beautiful 1 year old. Thank goodness for science and educated doctors!

[@lovinglifewitheli]

This has to be the best comment on here! I glad your little one survived and you recognised the signs

[@michelec4042]

Love this, thank you for the beautiful story!

[@kellybryson7754]

Wow!

[@cindy846]

Knowledge IS power!!

[@jalyntaylor7609]

Awww. I was 1 pound 11 ounces! Born about 3 months early.

[@betsybabf748]

As a fellow twin mom (who also married a twin), I find it amazing how twins' lungs develop early, as if they know they will probably be born earlier. Watching them together in utero interacting was amazing but them when they were first born and screaming. My OB walked over and touched their hands together. They immediately stopped. That worked for first 10-12 weeks for us. Yes, we know they form an emotional bond with us from voice early, feeling comfort and safety when they hear us talk during pregnancy, but to see how strong that emotional bond and true connection is with two babies, which started so long before birth of either one is one of the most amazing things in the world to me.

[@katiekane5247]

What a wonderful post!!! Mammals that have litters show this effect very strongly. Single puppies or kittens often have issues.

[@ravenramsey3115]

This was so beautiful to read!

[@Ruth-tbk]

I found out this week that I’m expecting twins and this comment made me so happy ♥️

[@crystala7x182]

That’s amazing ❤️

[@AnimeShinigami13]

okay that is crazy that they could do that. :3 I really wanna see what that looks like now!

[@laartje24]

I actually loved this video. As someone with several disabilities it is really encouraging to hear all the things that could have gone wrong but didn't. It is easy to see yourself/your body as a wreck next to an able bodied person. But if you consider all the millions of things that could have gone wrong, but only 5 of them did went wrong, I would say I am damn near perfect.

[@scherre]

This is a great way to look at it! Damn near perfect. I love it.

[@katie6731]

It's amazing how complex the human body is and how resilient we are, even for those of us who are disabled. We are such adaptable creatures. I have Ehlers Danlos--I don't make collagen correctly, which affects pretty much all of my body in different ways. Even with something as necessary to the body as collagen, I may have issues and pain, yet, my body hasn't turned to goo. To be fair, I'd have died long ago without modern medicine, so I very much appreciate the intelligence, hard work, and ingenuity of those who use their talents to help their fellow human beings 💙

[@veekay6238]

You are! 💪

[@Mrsjam96]

I would say that you’re perfect too!

[@betsybabf748]

I love that! And that mentality holds true for most of our lives.

[@cynhanrahan4012]

My daughter was born at 30 weeks with a trache0-esophigeal fistual. Your explanation and drawing here really cleared up a 46 year old mystery for me, that was never explained at the time. Thank you so much!

[@katiesilva4269]

I was born 4 weeks early with a TE fistula! I'm 41 now!

[@memeju1ce]

i’m sorry they never explained it! thats pretty shitty- i’m glad you know now! i hope you and your daughter are doing well now :)

[@ewasadina1927]

E

[@aprilnutt8714]

Just wondering did you have extra amniotic fluid?

[@user-PuppyDan]

I was born full term with an N type Fistual along with other issues. Im now 40 hope your daughter is doing well

[@veronicabezerradasilva9947]

If we stop to think about it, a healthy pregnancy, that produces a healthy baby in the end of the process, is a truly miraculous thing. So much can go wrong! Everything is interconnected, a failure in one organ can damage several others... As the mom of two very healthy boys, I think we sometimes take it for granted.

[@brandywine4000]

So true! I am a mother to four. During the first 3 pregnancies, I didn’t even think of anything going wrong. It wasn’t until I found out there was an issue with my fourth child that I began obsessing with everything that could go wrong. Given all I know now, it would be a difficult decision. I like to think that’s why I was blessed with my pregnancies in the early part of my life. I always said I’d be done having kids by 30. The last came at 29. Btw, the 4th child is fine. He just has an extra part. 😊

[@ofentsentshabele4362]

Especially after you've lost a baby that's when you appreciate how little control we have over the whole thing

[@katiekane5247]

I worked NICU during Nursing school. I sweated every day of my pregnancy until 30 weeks! Then, I found out how much more noise healthy babies make 😂

[@SkaterChick1972]

❤❤❤

[@ImKTWallen]

I taught a student who has a wild story. At five days old grandma dropped him on the floor by accident. Baby was rushed to the ER and it was discovered during an exam from the drop that he actually didn’t have a “soft spot” at all. He was rushed into surgery and the amazing surgeons created a soft spot for him. He was lucky to survive. The surgeons said grandma actually saved his life because his brain would grow and grow with no room to expand and ultimately killing him. He’s six now, very smart and funny kid. He wore a helmet for the first year of his life. He’s so so lucky.

[@evansfamily8156]

Wow! I know that several people on the baby's team in the hospital check all kinds of things (hearing, sight, reflexes). That is super sad those things were missed on your student. I actually have video of the pediatrician on shift during my 2nd daughter's birth doing the full exam. She talked her way through the whole thing so my spouse (videographer) would understand what was happening including her checking for both fontanels. Side note: Dr. Sandra Herzwurm was so tender and patient throughout the exam (stopping as needed to make her calm and secure several times) that when our insurance changed and we needed to find a new pediatrician it was an easy decision. We love you Dr. Herzwurm 🥰❤❤❤

[@JulesWebloft]

@@evansfamily8156 Dr. Herzwurm found a way into your hearts! Herr name means ‘heart worm’ in English. 💋

[@Cinnabuns75]

“😒All fetuses drink their own pee, you’re not special, Bear Grylls.”-me if I ever meet Bear Grylls

[@danisaur33]

I'm SCREAMING

[@allisonking3553]

I am deceased. I passed from uncontrollable laughter.

[@carrieseymour5197]

Let's see you *breathe* your own pee as well, Bear

[@junjiscomb7909]

holy shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.

[@vangu2918]

Maybe he has something prenatal going on there?🤔

[@kristinabraly]

You geeked out about fetal facts the way I geek out about anesthesia 🥰 Oh but also in med school and peds anesthesia I also geeked out about embryology and fetal circulation 😊 it’s the best

[@apolloandwarrior_3229]

I'm in a highschool anatomy class and I can't stop geeking out about everything I learn! Wish me luck on the muscle section

[@Dexy83]

My 2 favorite Doctor creators! Happy Thanksgiving, Ladies!

[@luanaspa4400]

The scariest part of a surgery is the anesthesiology not focusing on what's going on. Heard of deaths that have occurred because of laziness.

[@kimmieremis3180]

My two fav docs! Want more collabs

[@fluffycommander]

Anesthesia always puts me to sleep

[@victoriamielke4065]

This was so interesting to me because it answered so many questions I didn’t even know I had. My second baby was diagnosed with double outlet right ventricle at 28 weeks GA due to Trisomy 13. Our Ped Card was great at explaining his condition, but I never quite knew what “normal” fetal hearts were supposed to look like. It also explains why he was able to survive while he was in the womb, but struggled so much after birth. He did eventually pass away, but we had been so well prepared for his death that we survived it just fine. He also had issues with his kidneys and bladder and they were always watching his fluid levels, but I never asked why. Now it all makes sense! Thank you for sharing this video, it brought me so much more peace as to my son’s conditions, almost 3 years later.

[@TaniaHorne]

so sorry for your loss, grateful you are feeling peace

[@anaghasiddhi1231]

Sorry for your loss, you are a rockstar I wish everyone who lost a child gets peace like you did

[@katiekane5247]

Touching post, so sorry for your loss. I went to nursing school in a great clinical program starting in 1977. Before routine ultrasounds, severe birth defects were often missed until delivery. It's way more devastating to expect a routine delivery & healthy baby but be blindsided in the delivery room. I'm glad you had a team to help you with this difficult outcome.

[@Aspett0]

I don't ever plan on having children because, I mean... (gestures broadly at everything), but I keep coming back to this channel because the content is so educative and shared in such a thoughtful way that it's a joy to watch just for the sake of it. Thank you for this, Mama Doctor Jones.

[@elenagerhardy2636]

I love ‘gestures broadly at everything’. I’ve recently had a baby and am delighted to have her, but I can attest that it’s not the right choice for everyone, and it’s definitely a weird time in human history to be bringing a new life into the world. I hope you never feel like you need to explain your very valid choice to anyone.

[@Listrynne]

At least you'll know how to help your friends through all sorts of uterus related stuff now.

[@angorianka]

Same here! ^^

[@carag2567]

"Gestures broadly at everything" is the EXACT SAME REASON why I don't have kids either!!!

[@ValentinaWithFeathers]

I also love this comment because of that addition. I've always had a very strong urge to reproduce and ma currently 28 years old. However, the state of the world right now is really concerning to me and makes me feel like I'd be egotistical (not saying other people reproducing are egotistical! We still need humans in the future to correct the mistakes of past humans) reproducing in this day and age. Fortunately, I have a partner who has the same doubts as myself and we've been thinking about maybe adopting in the future. I guess time will tell :)

[@zenagitana]

When my sister announced her pregnancy to the family, and used the ultrasound pic. My brother-in-law (not her husband) asked her: "You sure you're pregnant? You didn't just swallow a gummi bear?" Because they didn't want to know the sex of the baby before birth, she nicknamed the baby Gummi Bear. Made it really easy to decide on a theme for her baby shower! 😁

[@nathanielmitchell6383]

Omg that's so cute ... A gummi bear themed baby shower sounds adorable

[@appartamentoundici]

I'm 21 weeks preggo atm and calling my baby "cracker" for the time being because is the only thing I've been able to eat with no issues for the first months😅. I don't want to know the gender soo🤭 gummy bear is indeed really cute 😁

[@tinkeramma]

So adorable. 🧡

[@tinkeramma]

​@@appartamentoundici Congrats. Hope eating is a little easier by now.

[@katiezenovic3857]

Both of my kids had sagittal craniosynostosis (which is supposedly NOT genetic!) They were diagnosed around 6 months and 3 months of age and had surgery to correct it at 7 months and 5 months old at Seattle Children's Hospital. They are 7 and 4 years old now and doing great! Modern medicine saved them from a life of potential seizures, learning impairment and more. I'm so grateful to SCH! Thanks for this fun video!

[@Edna2u]

With My youngest her posterior fontanel never closed. She still had it at 5. The back of her skull was a little thinner too. Other then that she did not have issues. The neurologist said just to be careful with her. (She has since passed away for unrelated issues) glad your babies are okay

[@kristi8837]

My Son had this too, he was operated when he was 6 months old. I do understand your feelings, you are very strong to go through that twice!

[@monicaclasener]

What are the odds for 2 siblings to have the same problem and it not being genetic? Must have been a really though time. Happy for all of you the surgeries were a succes. 🥰

[@laurac2657]

My friend had it, the one of her sons had it. I think it is hereditary?

[@erinpernikoff8744]

My daughter was born with right coronal cranio. 12weeks old she had her endoscopic surgery at STL Children's. Modern medicine is amazing!!! She just turned 3 and you'd never know!

[@emiliagiuliani9404]

Man, you'd be such a good professor, you have the charisma, the curiosity and the passion that make students want to learn and be better physicians! I truly admire you! :)

[@hazelangus]

I bet she has to do some teaching on the regular to keep her Dr license current. Nurses in the UK have to do that keep their license, I'd be surprised if docs didn't have to do that too! But yep, Dr Jones is so good at it!

[@brittv420]

as someone who was born a premie, i was so fascinated when you explained fetal lung development through breathing in amniotic fluid! my mom’s water broke at 18 weeks, and i remember her always telling me that the doctor’s main concern was that my lungs wouldn’t develop. now it all makes sense!!! jeez how did i turn out perfectly healthy???!

[@kellybryson7754]

A miracle

[@AirQuotes]

Babies are super resilient and medicine has made huge advancances

[@minanoor4949]

You were born at 18 weeks? The most preemi baby to survive was born at 21 weeks. In fact they don't even attempt to save premature babies born prior to 25 weeks.

[@AirQuotes]

@@minanoor4949 she said her moms waters broke at 18 weeks not that she was born then. You can keep the baby in for a certain amount of time but it's very dangerous. The doctor was concerned that with the fluid leaking it might mean there isn't enough amniotic fluid for the baby to breath it. Also that's not accurate doctors will usually always try to save the baby no matter how early it arrives. Anything before 20 weeks means certain death sadly but peopleare still looking for treatments that can extend that. Last century any baby born premature was most likely not going to survive as there was pretty much no care available. Between 21 and 29 weeks it can be very touch and go. But the older a baby is the better chances they have. A baby born between 30 and 36 weeks is still considered premature but they have very high chances of survival but are still at risk of complications. It really depends on why the baby is premature in the first place.

[@brittv420]

@@minanoor4949 my mom was on bed rest until 28 weeks.

[@dragongirl01]

I randomly thought about this while you were talking learning to swallow and pee. My boyfriends sister was born without a bladder. Her dr built her a bladder out other tissue in her digestive track. She is more prone to uti's now but she also has far more control of her urination. It was so interesting when I learned that, I wanted to share.

[@poppyeulalia8468]

Twenty-three years ago my son was born with a natal tooth. My OB, my pediatrician, and a lactation consultant all argued with me that babies were not born with teeth. At 3 weeks old, trusting my newly found mother’s intuition, I took him to dentist who confirmed it was indeed a tooth! Thank you for sharing this fact!

[@mantharie529]

Physicians learn very little about the mouth in med school, so I’m not surprised that they weren’t familiar with natal teeth!

[@cassidieepaigee]

I'm a Dental Nurse & can also confirm that it is indeed possible for babies to be born with teeth! (My boyfriend actually was, also!) 😆

[@obsessedmalou]

What else did they think it was, then?

[@Dapper_Warlock]

"I got attacked by a gang of Schnauzers" is the most upsettingly hilarious collection of words I've heard in months

[@shilohmills7730]

I’m sorry, fetal espionage?! That’s so cute actually! “I’m spying on this fetus” 🥰

[@futurenurseeli5626]

SUPERSPY lol so cute

[@laulutar]

This concept is so stinking cute 🤩

[@acsw]

I love how psyched you are to tell us all these fetal facts 🥰 In regards to #6... I just delivered my third baby on 11/11 & she developed severe respiratory distress from "the worst bilateral pneumothoraces we have ever seen", to quote the NICU team that saved her life. They performed many tests & determined that it was a mechanical issue. Does this alternate circulatory route you just described explain why some babies' lungs burst with their first breath, as pneumothoraces were described to us by the neonatologist? Edited to add: she went from having chest tubes in both lungs, on a ventilator, being tube fed to healthy & home in just EIGHT DAYS 🤯😭💗 babies are so amazingly resilient.

[@Melissa_in_CT]

@alexx christine WHAT A MIGHTY LITTLE LADY YOU HAVE! Congrats on only 8 days in the NICU! I hope she has no medical issues again in life! My nephew had a single pneumothorax at birth & is a healthy 10yr old now! Again, congrats on your princess! 💗🤱🏻👶🏻🎀🥰

[@Mrsjam96]

MDJ I really hope you see this? I’m so curious too??

[@Mrsjam96]

@Mana Doctor Jones please see this! I’m curious too!

[@cyn4476]

We were able to get a long video series of our daughter because of a placenta/umbilical cord problem that caused IUGR. We saw it all, swallowing, practice breathing, sucking her thumb, her trigger thumb (that we didn't realize was happening until diagnosed at 4 years old), her sleeping, getting angry with the buzzing vibration thing to wake her up. We even got to see blood pumping through her veins in her head. It was stressful to go through it, but also reassuring to see her every week and be able to add to the video of her growth (or non-growth towards the end). She was born early, weighing 3lbs9oz, healthy and screaming to be fed (as the neonatologist said she would). Now she's 24, working on her PhD in geophysics!

[@Teajay21]

I wonder if i had this- I know my mom was told that the umbilical cord wasn’t fully attached (?) and that was part of the reason I was small at birth but I don’t remember if my parents were ever given a diagnosis. I looked it up and they said sometimes babies with IUGR have smaller bodies and big heads and that’s exactly what I looked like when I was born! I grew into it but I always said I looked like a little alien in my newborn pictures. I wasn’t as small as your daughter though so maybe I was on the cusp of being considered in that category- I was about 5lbs but mostly head and I had to wear preemie size diapers though I was full term

[@cyn4476]

@@Teajay21 The normal head with smaller skeleton is a sign of IUGR. One ultrasound tech asked me if dwarfism ran in my family because of her measurements! Her head was growing at a more normal rate than her organs or skeleton. This is a good thing because of course the brain is the most important part! The skeleton can catch up after birth. Funny thing is, she's got short legs. She blames her bum umbilical cord. 🤣 In my case, the placenta and umbilical cord were malformed due to clotting. I have some hyper immune disorders and it's thought that my body was rejecting the placenta. The cord came out of the placenta normal, but then went back in and came out teeny tiny. I am glad you were ok and got to full term!

[@Teajay21]

@@cyn4476 Yeah I am a small adult too but I can’t blame my umbilical cord as I’m the same size as my mom lol. That’s just my genes 😅 I was jaundiced at birth too but as far as I know otherwise had no ill effects. I did hear that nowadays because of the umbilical cord attachment issue they would have likely done a C-section just to be on the safe side but luckily I didn’t have any complications. Glad to hear your daughter is doing well now too!

[@ioanascreciu4039]

I hated embriology my first years of med school (still not the biggest fan since neither my peds nor ob gyn rotations started) BUT YOUR ENTHUSIASM AND LOVE FOR THE SUBJECT MATTER makes me really want to give it another go, revise a bit, make it make more sense in my head and I really want to thank you for that! 🥰

[@sabaducia]

This gives me hope that I will also develop a love of embryology. It's just so hard 😭 even as a currently **pregnant** medical student!

[@rubytook8067]

This was amazing! I loved the part about the circulatory system. I had a baby 3 weeks ago. She was born in the car actually! My husband was driving us to the hospital right after my water broke and being in the car triggered some serious contractions. 15 minutes into the car ride she was out! I caught her and held her on my chest. 5 minutes later we arrived at the hospital. Our 9 year old and 2 year old were in the backseat and witnessed their sister being born. Thankfully we had already prepared the 9 year old with information on how babies are born. People have been asking me how I felt or if was scary but there was no time for feeling or thinking. Although, immediately afterwards it did cross my mind how this would make a great TV episode for you to review. 🤣

[@kathrinmariakrause5351]

Wow, your comment is really wild. Video-worthy on it's own. I guess no passenger in this car will ever forget the day. Glad you and the little speedy baby are fine.

[@MamaDoctorJones]

Congrats! Wild story for her to hear someday! ☺️

[@LadyRage1990]

I agree the circulatory system part had me shook! That is so stinking cool!

[@laartje24]

Jeez, 15 ish min after your water broke. I didn't even know they could come out that fast! Guess your baby couldn't wait to meet her family

[@malinskoog3724]

@@LadyRage1990 l

[@hyperfixedandhopeless995]

I don't plan on having children in the future or studying medicine but this was an amazing video, seeing professionals geek out about their field is always just a joy to watch!

[@wiggles14514]

36 weeks pregnant so crazy to think about all this that's going on inside me. Can't wait to meet my little Christmas cookie in the next few weeks.

[@fallen_artist]

I'm 35w 3d and I'll be induced on the 7th of December. His due date is actually christmas which is the best thing in the world to me since it's my favourite holiday.

[@Gissy21]

Omg congrats mama, I get my chirstmas cookie soon too!! Three more weeks to go can't wait to see how many December babies are brought into the world 🥲

[@Alyssa_May]

Awww, congratulations. I hope it all goes well and you and baby will be as happy and healthy as possible. 🙂

[@itme999]

"Christmas cookie"!!🥰 congratulations!

[@ArsonBeanTanks]

CHRISTMAS COOKIE. That's such a good term!

[@Tamacoleo]

As an evolutionary biologist I absolutely adore videos discussing facts about different organisms especially embryology, so I love love LOVE this one! Probably one of my new favourite videos of yours. It’s so awesome to see how excited you are about the topic! I’d love to see more 🤞🏻

[@Kaitybardot]

I’m almost done with nursing school and I found my calling in the NICU. The more I learn about how amazing fetal development is, the more inspired and excited I am to care for the tiny humans who need some extra help transitioning into the world. Thanks for sharing your geeking out with us 💕💕

[@Flighterialt13]

I was just diagnosed with a PFO last month and it was so incredible to hear you talk about fetal circulation and how it typically changes when we are born. It gave a little insight into how my body may have done things differently at birth and resulted in that hole remaining through adulthood. I love your videos so much and love that I got to learn about my heart condition from them too!

[@emmajones8715]

I’m so happy to watch someone who is as excited by foetal/ baby development as I am. I am a health visitor in the UK and could talk about this stuff for hours!

[@nyawiramaina6418]

Looks like its a Jones' thing😃🤍

[@Darknienna08]

The change in circulation and how the lungs so quickly adapt to air is the most fascinating part to me. And it's why instinctively humans gets so excited for that first cry. Even someone who has no knowledge about babies knows to encourage that first breath and cry. Scientifically we know its importance but innately we feel it. I think its amazing.

[@DragonGate1992]

Other animals too. There's a (somewhat graphic but it is a birth) video here on YT of a elephant giving birth and the calf is not breathing when it falls out. She smacks it with her trunk, kicks at it, bellowing more frantically until the calf breathes.

[@rachu]

Fetal espionage is hilarious and I'm definitely stealing that in the future LOL. I don't know if you've talked about it before, but I'm curious about your take on something. I recently read that it's thought that all humans are born prematurely, as a consequence of our evolution. Big brains and small pelvic bone structures leading to "premature" birth, when ideally we would spend almost 2 years cooking, not just 9-10 months. We're not the only animals completely "useless" at birth but you'd think with how smart we are, we'd be better off. Unless that intelligence is the exact reason we're so bad at reproduction? Lol just curious to know your thoughts as an OB. I'm pretty dead set on never giving birth personally but I do find it fascinating all the same. Didn't look too far into the actual research papers making these claims, but I did read some discourse on the topic. Definitely changed my perspective on some things.

[@notmuchelsea]

Animal Science major here! This is called precocial vs altricial young! Precocial species are born "ready to go" like horses and baby chicks, and altricial species have limited abilities at birth requiring support from its mother, like rabbits, cats and humans.

[@yvetteliggins4980]

I have never thought about this! I would like to know as well!

[@kasualbeauty309]

We ain’t elephants lol

[@rachu]

​@@notmuchelsea It would be so cool if humans laid eggs like birds. Probably even less pleasant than what we have now, but still cool. Thanks for the info! I wonder if that same science of "we're all born premature" applies to other altricial species as well. Kittens are suuuuuper helpless little things, can't even evacuate their bowels or regulate body temp for at least a month. Still doesn't take them long to grow up though, whereas humans take years to become self sufficient enough to survive independently. I guess even if we were born at 2 years, it would STILL take years. Bit of a unique case even in the grand scheme of the animal kingdom. Hey, at least we have our brains and thumbs. :D Kangaroos have the best set up in my opinion. Birth a super tiny little bean then it grows big somewhat externally LOL.

[@MamaDoctorJones]

Yah it’s interesting, I’ve heard this as well but I’m not sure as to the accuracy.

[@heathermcfarland6317]

This is probably my favorite Mama Doctor Jones video of all time. Not just because of how incredibly interesting the information is but also because of how excited you get presenting the information to us. So cool

[@zefiro6829]

These videos are such a fun way to learn about pregnancies and body functions 'cause they're explained in a serious-yet-soothing way. It's super helpful stuff in case I somehow get caught in an emergency where I may have to aid in a delivery (or to simply notice mistakes in fictional childbirth scenes).

[@ThatPaintingLass]

4:50 your ultrasound of your son drinking is seriously one of the coolest things I have ever seen. I have kids so I know this happens but seeing it just blows my mind. Thank you for sharing!

[@TziporaRaphaella]

I’m only a minute in but just had to say how much I LOVE your hyped up geeky excitement. It’s absolutely infectious and made me smile and I’m like “Woot! Let’s learn fascinating fetal facts! Yaaas!” There is nothing better than listening to people excitedly talk about the things they’re passionate about.

[@morganelizabethberry2239]

I had to come on here to say, your videos are so informative, and we’re actually the reason why I was concerned during my last pregnancy. I had a SCH, a low lying placenta at 10-22 weeks, and a PPROM at 23 weeks. Delivered my daughter via emergency C-section at 26&4. She has severe BPD, but she is home, happy, and alive. So thank you for continuing to put information out there that not everyone talks about 🙏🏻💪🏻❤️

[@ang_131]

LOVED this video!! You know what would be awesome? A series that is the same sort of facts but maybe month by month or trimester by trimester or maybe just at whatever milestone points exists. That way women who are pregnant can follow along as they progress.

[@MamaDoctorJones]

We have this on the list! :)

[@ozarkldy8117]

I love that! I have 5 children ranging ages 33-15, 12 1/2 grands ranging ages 15- due Christmas Eve. I learned AND geeked hardcore.... sharing with the Christmas mama!

[@ashleighnichole8197]

This was an amazing video, I loved it! I'm a respiratory therapist and fetal development was by far my favorite part of school! When I was pregnant with my son I had a nonstress test done at around 35 weeks I believe and people were coming to my area from all over the office to see because he was moving like a lunatic the entire time. One of the nurses joked that he was going to have ADHD....well fast forward and he has severe ADHD. He was diagnosed by 3.5, he is now 10!

[@cassieb2813]

MDJ, I am severely tokophobic, and I get a lot of comfort from your videos. Have you ever had any severely tokophobic (primary) patients that are pregnant? How did you work with them during the process/what is the process? I have been in therapy for years for other conditions, but just curious from a practitioner’s perspective! How do you help make your patients more comfortable, or how would you if you encounter this? I know, a little out of left field, but if I find myself pregnant, I’m curious if this is something OB/GYNs often encounter, and how they help!

[@invisibleink2759]

I want a video on that subject too💙

[@carag2567]

I've seen a lot of other people ask about this before. Hoping MDJ can find a way to cover this sometime soon.

[@cassieb2813]

Thank you both for your support! My worst nightmare (after getting pregnant) is that my doctor meant to care for me shames me, dismisses me, or insults me for not seeing it as a “gift.” Like the mere thought of being pregnant makes me want to throw up, I can’t imagine how I would do if it actually happened, and I could feel it.

[@invisibleink2759]

@@cassieb2813 Even ppl planning to have a baby can have that phobia, a doctor should not shame you. Also I recommend going to the doctor with a friend is good to have someone on your side

[@flawlix]

I’d be curious about this as well. Aside from not having a desire for children-apparently was born without that biological urge-I’m also terrified of pregnancy. Or maybe “repulsed” is a better word? I’ve often wondered what it would be like if someone felt like I do but actually wanted kids. MDJ’s videos are fascinating and demystify everything about pregnancy at least a little. Plus I like learning stuff.

[@juliejanesmith57]

We can add “blighted ovum” to “geriatric pregnancy” and “incompetent uterus” for terms that need serious updating in the 21st century. I think of “blight” solely in context of rotting crops of some sort.😬

[@MamaDoctorJones]

Anembryonic gestation is the correct term.

[@urasay2]

@@MamaDoctorJones which I was grateful to learn about it this video. The correct term. As someone trying to get pregnant, i would be heartbroken if i am told something I created is 'blighted'.

[@ges916]

So interesting! As someone who works for a Cardiologist, we have patients come in with PFO's that need closure. I never really understood how they fit in other than the patient being born with it. I love learning all the things! Thank you!

[@Listrynne]

My mom had hers closed in her mid 40s after it caused a mild stroke. Apparently it can somehow allow a blood clot to form, but hers wasn't found until a few years ago, after the stroke.

[@ges916]

@@Listrynne unfortunately after a stroke is the most common way of finding PFO's and ASD's in adults (at least it is where I am from). I just had no idea that a PFO is what causes blood to essentially bypass the lungs in fetal development! The human body is crazy!

[@Listrynne]

@@ges916 that makes sense. It is pretty cool how it all works though.

[@cynthiarose4640]

As a preceptor in the NICU, I love explaining fetal circulation that most of us forget after the test in nursing school, to explain why we do CCHD testing. I geek out all the time about this stuff, too! Loved this so much!

[@rabbit__]

Fetal espionage is my new favorite phrase. Sounds like it should come with spy music.

[@elliest55]

Hey Mama Doctor Jones, this video randomly popped up on my recommended just a couple of days after I found out I'm pregnant for the first time at 38 😬I've been watching your videos for years now and you're one of the reasons I've decided my phobias surrounding pregnancy and childbirth were worth overcoming (setting aside the sooo many other reasons to question if one wants to bring a child into this world in this day and age - but after years of doubts and questioning we finally decided to take the leap and try!). I feel equally scared and excited about the upcoming months but one thing I know for sure is I'll be going through all your videos again as a source of comfort and valuabe info 🙏

[@wendymoyer782]

I remember being blown away, looking at my newborn, thinking"24 hours ago, you were living and BREATHING in a liquid amniotic environment, and now here you are, in an air-based environment, breathing independently. " It just blew me away, how perfectly it all works!

[@cynthiahernandez2667]

I’m absolutely obsessed with this video and all the neat information thanks so very much! As someone in the cardiac world of the medical field, I find the human body absolutely fascinating and I’m always trying to learn as much as I can about the human anatomy, but this video grew my love for fetal anatomy! Thanks so much for such gold of knowledge! 🙏🏼💕

[@michellebaldwin257]

You love teaching these things and I love learning them!! I had 9 babies, yes NINE. All were med free births and I breastfed 8 of them. I'm still learning and interested in these things!!

[@nattyophelia7879]

Heyyyyy I’m having my 7th baby, breastfed all! Props to you! I’m very much done after this.

[@michellebaldwin257]

@@nattyophelia7879 Congratulations!! I hope you have a magical birth ❤

[@peachmelba9333]

Gee I only had 3- feel like such a slacker- but still breast-fed

[@michellebaldwin257]

@@peachmelba9333 Not a slacker AT ALL!! Each birth, be it natural, c-section or otherwise is AMAZING 👏 Likewise, the number of births matters none. Birth in itself is nothing short of magical 😍❤

[@resQfurppl]

WOW!! ur amazing 🤩 & maybe a little crazy lol - jk props to u - not something i could handle but God bless mega moms like u!! 🤗

[@davidllombart380]

I follow this amazing woman ( not just a awesome medical professional) because she has her busy life as a mom, doctor, wife and still makes the time to advocate and educate us. I am the only male out of 5 siblings who likes to educate myself in order to properly protect and advice my sisters and nieces. Love all you do amazing woman.

[@tierneyholl20]

As someone who I currently pregnant I super love this information! I know I would regardless. The vascular system switch at birth is both mind blowing and terrifying! I personally loved the bonus vlog footage 🥰

[@myste1973]

My grand baby is 9 weeks gestation yesterday. I'm so excited. I've shared this channel with my son and daughter.

[@elizabethgillespie1031]

Thirty seconds in and I am already excited by how excited MDJ is!

[@katiesilva4269]

Same!

[@yesterdaydream]

I love watching somebody geek out. The eyes light up and it makes me wanna LEARN

[@susanfreeman6350]

As a retired medical laboratory scientist and, more importantly, mom of two, the whole miracle of this process astounds me. Every minute aspect of conception, in utero development and birth is nothing short of amazing. I loved this video. Thanks!

[@rachelallison6651]

You know you're a little obsessed with this stuff when it's not even your job and you know all of this. 😂 Should have been an OBGYN in another life. This side of medicine has always been my favorite. I love your excitement for this, MDJ! Fetal development is absolutely fascinating.

[@brittanyreynolds6337]

Hi MDJ!! I LOVE your videos and love that you make this important information accessible to the public! Do you ever refer your post-partum patients to pelvic floor PT if they are still having B/B issues, dyspareunia, weakness, etc after a certain period of time? I know that you touch on some of the disparities between our postpartum care in the USA vs worldwide in other videos. In many European countries every new birth parent is given an order/option for a pelvic floor PT evaluation if they choose to use it. A lot of folks in the US have never heard of it, or know the benefits of just having your pelvic floor strength/function evaluated post partum (after being cleared by the OBGYN of course). I am a pelvic floor PT, and I can't tell you how many times I've heard the phrase "I wish I knew this was an option after my first baby" (or some variation of that). Would you ever consider talking about this in another video discussing things people didn't know about or myths around the post partum period? I learn so much from your videos!

[@Draugmas]

This is so cute and I love how excited you are. I'm 27 weeks rn and this is so entertaining

[@twoftmama]

Fetuses are so cool! 28 years ago, when I was pregnant with my son and had my stress test, he was sleeping. They told my husband to go to a convenience store and buy me a chocolate bar. 30 minutes after I ate it they did the test again and he passed with flying colors. I'm not sure if it was the sugar or the caffeine, but that chocolate bar certainly woke him up! LOL

[@FreeRangeZebez]

I study the development of pigment cells in fish, and I absolutely loved this video! So amazing to see how organisms and their tissues change over time. I would love more videos like this that go into the development of different parts of a fetus.

[@jeanabollinger8594]

Mama Doctor Jones - I can understand why you geeked out in this video. I just completed my first senior semester of nursing school and just completed my clinical rotation in Obstetrics earlier this month. L&D quickly became my favorite unit to work in as a student nurse, and I feel like I was internally geeking out with you as I watched this video. That fetus to newborn transition is something that is absolutely amazing to me. Although I have an 18-year-old son of my own, being there in L&D as I helped with my first birth as a student nurse during this OB clinical rotation was a very beautiful moment. That is a feeling that I never had in my 23-1/2 year career in financial service IT. LOL! I'll be graduating with my BSN in May 2022 and will be taking my NCLEX-RN shortly after that to complete that career switch from IT to nursing. L&D is definitely a path in nursing that I'm strongly considering. Thank you for your great content and for letting us geek out with you. :)

[@downtownbristantrown6456]

We got to see our baby practicing breathing in our ultrasound it was amazing! My husband was blown away lol

[@zoeymills6598]

Honestly your excitement in this video made everything so much cooler. Knowing that these facts are so fascinating that even a professional, whom deals with pregnancy and birth on a regular basis, is this excited about it, just makes it that much better.

[@amandaholley8068]

I’m so excited just seeing your excitement! “Fetal espionage” is hilarious! I was totally prepared for an “I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant” videos, since they always coincide with my body letting me know it’s not pregnant, but this is so much better! We need more of these!

[@smgorley]

This is my favorite video you've ever done! I loved his excited you were and I loved all the info. I especially liked the part about the circulatory system! I have three kids and never knew that. My first son had a ureterocele in the womb that blocked the flow from one of his kidneys into the bladder, which prevented that kidney from developing properly, and it was absorbed back into his body. I had to get checked once a week to be sure I had enough amniotic fluid--but I did! His other kidney worked like a champ. He's almost five and has had a perfectly normal life. But it's so true what you were saying about how the smallest little glitch can mess up the whole system, and it's amazing how it usually all does what it's supposed to.

[@meghanzug5200]

As a mom baby nurse I love teaching my patients about their baby and the major expectations we are putting on an infant when it’s born. Your excitement and teaching gives me so much joy and I appreciate that your patients are probably well educated.

[@wheelie26]

I love how enthusiastic you are during the video, it makes learning so muck easier and yes I was totally geeking out!

[@subduedpotato7216]

I already knew about the circulatory system being reversed in utero, although I didn't know the details of how/why. Really entertaining video. Not just for the content, as informative as it was, but for your enthusiasm, MDJ. The passion you have for all things babies comes through and just amazes me that there are people who actually enjoy things and are extremely passionate about certain topics/behaviours etc. I've always wondered what that feels like.

[@marys2382]

I'm a SCN/PP/Labor nurse and I LOVED hearing you explain all this. As always, a few fine details are new to me and makes it an interesting learning experience for me as well. Like all those bones just in the skull. 👀 Ninety-sonething? Wow! I'm as much as a geek about the fetus and newborn. How about the "walking reflex" and it's actual purpose?! All the other reflexes and what they were developed for. I love your enthusiasm. I'm right there with you!

[@jessiec668]

There's not 90 bones in just the skull... She was saying that a fetal body in total has about 90 more bones than an adult body. You're born with about 300 bones but several fuse over time so that you only have 206 when full grown.

[@taticocoa2307]

You're amazing! No joke, you're my role model! Any one can tell just by watching these vids that you really really enjoy and love what you do, and that's just inspiring. Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into your vids and all the things you teach us ❤️

[@GizmoAndKiwi]

When I was in med school I HATED embryology, so it's really nice to see, that there are a) people who genuinely love this stuff and b) are specialized in a field that has something to do with it. And even though I knew a lot already I love how you teach it, perhaps I wouldn't have hated it so much of we had professors that were more excited like you are...

[@MamaDoctorJones]

I HATED embryology in med school too. I feel like it’s always a the really nitty gritty stuff that is so hard to conceptualize. Advanced fetal phys is way more fun to me.

[@lesliesteele3926]

My mom was 39 when I was born. She had sooooo many stress tests while pregnant, and I slept through so many. My godmother started coming with her to tickle the belly and wake me up. Even that vibrating thing didn't wake me up. Also, I had constant hiccups... still do to this day. I can sleep and function with mild constant hiccups.

[@courtneytatefigueroa1172]

This has nothing to do with what you said but I wanna say that I gave my mom allergies (just to pollen and outside stuff) and they seem to get worse as I get older so I’m on a 24 hour allergy pill everyday and a spoonful of raw honey and my body still overreacts to nature

[@LinguaSerbia]

You are a really good teacher when it comes to all-about-women-and-babies topic and I really appreciate all the hard work you put into this and all the time as well, you really are a gentle and pure soul ❤️ I wish all the teachers and professors were like you, enthusiastic and kind, patient enough to bring the explanation to a newby level of comprehension. I hope you'll have a good day! ❤️😊

[@catmomjill]

I've never had kids (even as a child, I knew I didn't want them). And, at age 25, I witnessed the birth of my niece. If I had had any doubts at that point, that would have cleared it up! And the one thing that totally got me off guard, I fell in love with Cori (and, eventually, her brothers) the moment I held her. I just looked at her, and thought, "Half of the blood that is running through your body, is the same as mine!" I felt that maternal thing for the first time. And I love this channel for her enthusiasm, and the chance to learn something new.

[@laurac2657]

I remember sitting in my best friend’s hospital room, after she delivered her second child via c-section. I could tell, as I was holding him, that something was wrong with the shape of his head. We discussed it and she had noticed, too. Turns out her son had sagittal craniosynostosis. My friend herself had had a form of it herself, but didn’t end up with surgery. I don’t believe it was sagittal but could have been. Her little guy had surgery at 7 months old and recovered well.

[@katiekane5247]

I found my daughters congenital hip dysplasia before the Pediatrician did. Sadly, his ego turned him into a jerk & I fired him as soon as he discharged her from nursery. She wore a soft harness for a few months & only has occasional hip pain. OMG, she's almost 40! How did that happen?????

[@ionaday3340]

My first baby was born with a tooth coming out the front of her top gum. The dentist we were referred to found it fascinating. It fell out of its own accord but did cause a little trouble with rubbing on her front lip gum before it did. This video was awesome.

[@karmica7591]

Wow, all of this is really fascinating! Also, thanks for making it understandable for everyone, English isn't even my first language but I still hadn't any problem at all. It's a thing I adore about you and this is a really great way to teach people that aren't in the medical field and still making them able to understand all the information you put out there and being entertaining at the same time, which makes it easier to watch and want to know more about the subject. Thank you for your excellent job!

[@johnspetkitty81]

I LOVED this!! My nephew's fiancee is currently like 37 weeks pregnant, and I LOVED learning these!! The skull one I already knew, as I've had a cousin, nephew, and daughter who dealt with craniosynostosis. But the rest were AWESOME to learn!!

[@shashwat2591]

Gotta give credit to this person, she made every logical effort to make sure her audience understood the terms, that's dedication

[@EGGrun]

So fascinating! And scary... I am absolutely terrified of pregnancy and ob-gyn doctors, these videos help me slowly over come my fear ❤️

[@michaelkirouac3680]

This was so informative! Fetal development is so fascinating!

[@colonelb]

I heard an interesting theory about why the skull bones are disconnected. There have been studies in primates showing a correlation between social group size and cortex size, and so the theory goes that as humans differentiated from other primates, there was more and more evolutionary pressure for larger brains as we became more social, and that setup an "evolutionary arms race" between head size and pelvis width in women, such that if pelvises got much wider than they are, it would affect the stability for running, so the "evolutionary solution" was to be born with the segmented skull. I don't think the theory can be "proven", we don't have the data of course, but it seems plausible and if so, I think it's fascinating

[@lauradavison8068]

Thank you for adding that last paragraph! Evolutionary hypotheses fascinate me and I love them, but I'm always so bewildered when people state them all as proven fact. Like... where's your data? Do we have an immortal running around who observed and recorded all the evolutionary changes?

[@Lucky20231]

I’m a midwifery student and knew most of this, but I loved the way you described the circulation system! It helped me visualize it in a more clear way than I had when I was just reading about it. I agree, this is the best topic ever!!

[@kirsten.amelia]

MDJ: geeks out on scientific things like baby’s circulation Me: “OMG the fetus is the size of a gummy bear!!!!!!! That’s so cute!!!”

[@hollyl5702]

They really look like one too. I had my first ultrasound when I was 8 weeks 5 days pregnant at the time and showed it to my husband when I got home and that was the first thing he said - it ended up being my kiddos nickname through her babyhood

[@rev.rachel]

This is wiiild! Human development is so fascinating. I love that we have the tech to see stuff as detailed as babies learning to swallow in utero.

[@amycochrane7826]

You just made me lecture my 7 week old about it being his fault my amniotic fluid was low and not mine leading to an emergency C-section at 35 weeks. 😂

[@rpadigar]

Yeah!!! im here for the geek out! I've been returning to this video ever since you put it up, and especially for that circulatory system one❤❤❤ i just love it and absolutely wonder struck at it!!!!

[@sarahwoodring5587]

You're a really engaging teacher! This was fascinating.

[@outdoorsweets9719]

Love Love Love how enthusiastic you are on this topic! It makes it so fun to watch :)

[@charlotteralff769]

I also love this topic and thoroughly enjoyed the video! Schnauzers are definitely nastier than labs. I avoid schnauzers. Oxygenated blood is usually depicted as red, since that's the color of oxygenated blood. Another interesting fetal fact is their sense of hearing, they can remember sounds, music, voices. They start to develop their language in the womb by hearing the sounds spoken by mom. ALSO, I have read that The fetus can be adversely affected by their pregnant mom's depression. Maternal depression can contribute to emotional problems in the fetus when it grows up, due to the effects of the difference from normal happy neurotransmitters and hormones to sad ones ON the developing fetal brain.

[@heidilarson5109]

I wondered if anyone was going to comment on the blood colors. I would've done the opposite of what MDJ used.

[@MamaDoctorJones]

Yah it was wrong lol - brain freeze

[@lolalayne6844]

@@MamaDoctorJones in my embryology text books for med school they always have fetal circulation with the colors like you drew! Because generally red is associated with arterial blood and blue with venous! Even tho in fetal circulation the oxygenation is switched (venous is oxygenated and arterial blood is deoxygenated!) 🤩🤗❤️ love your videos

[@ammalyrical5646]

@@lolalayne6844 hmm. not entirely true. the fetal aorta (and all the arteries it leads into) still carries oxygenated blood in a baby. The only thing that's different is that the fetal vena cava inferior has oxygenated blood as it enters the heart and the circulation basically bypasses the lungs by going through the foramen ovale. sorry if I come across rude btw. I don't mean it that way. I have autism, which can make me incredibly direct (which is actually why I don't mind Dutch and German directness, but I digress).

[@rruthlessly]

Pretty sure deoxygenated blood is red too despite what diagrams of the circulatory system and ads for period products would have you believe. Veins are blue on the outside but the blood in them is not.

[@heathertaylor-willockx3632]

Very cool stuff. Love watching you geek out!

[@zoeys6553]

I am only now realizing that I had no idea what a placenta actually does! Why is this not taught in school?! Thanks Mama Doctor Jones!!!

[@harley8341]

This was SO fascinating and my youngest is 30! I knew none of this and just geeked out right along with you! Thank you, I love learning new things!!

[@Silentgrace11]

“Fetal espionage.” “On the inside.” A lot of these phrases and terminology makes gynecology seem like secret spy work haha

[@Chelle8847]

These facts are amazing!! And thank you for going all out with the show n tell! Haha. I actually knew a few of these facts which im quite proud to say lol. Thanks to videos like yours! Also, you should vlog!! I really loved that blog bit at the end! Start doing some daily life vlogging MDJ id love that!

[@whitneylewis4998]

I wish I could have been an ongyn it's so fascinating. I'm a big geek for biology and anatomy science. I'm a mother of 5 and have heard the myths of babies born with teeth and until now disbelieved it. Everyday is a school day with you mdj

[@Hawaii444]

i love how genuinely passionate she is

[@momamiandkiddokelsi9027]

At 7 weeks my kiddo looked just like a cashew nut on the sonogram. I told the nurse that and she started to laugh and said that I was so close with that comparison. My little Kelsi went by the name of Cashew until the 19 week scan after that 😂

[@callistamccracken3744]

Mom of 4 here. In pre-nursing. Planning on working ob and specifically l&d as a lactation consultant. This is the BEST video ever and I'm going to watch it like a zillion times.

[@Inamichan]

I’m a dog groomer and yesterday I got bit pretty bad by a dog I was trying to save from suffocating. I went to work today and also had some anxiety about dogs. I completely get that anxiety. It’s especially weird when you love dogs.

[@Maxsmom13]

I love how much energy and excitement you have about the topics you speak on!

[@latoya5239]

With my second son we got to see him pee on the ultrasound it was so cool. All the nurses and doctors came in to watch too

[@kristinreynolds577]

I absolutely loved this video, but I might have loved your outro even more on this one!! 💗💗💗