You might be quick to think that humans have it hard during childbirth, but compared to a few other species in the animal kingdom, humans actually have it pretty easy.
Take for example the shingleback lizard, which usually gives birth to one or two babies. But while it doesn’t sound harsh at first glance, it does after you consider that the two babies make up 1/3 of the mother’s body weight.
Another creature that experiences rough childbirth is the porcupine. Most babies have soft quills and exit the birth canal without complications. But in some cases, an incorrect fetal orientation means the mother might have to deal with quills jabbing at her birth canal during childbirth.
Hyenas also have it pretty rough. Mother hyenas have pseudopenises instead of vaginas, which will stretch and sometimes rupture during childbirth. Under these circumstances, the mother experiences unimaginable pain and sometimes doesn’t survive the experience.
In this video, you’ll learn about these extreme births and many others. Afterward, you’ll understand why humans have it easy.
