Life Before Birth and A Time to Be Born

By: Peter W. Nathanielsz MD; PhD

Narrated by: Peter W. Nathanielsz

The most valuable investment any society makes is in its children, the next generation. The more we learn about the fetus the better we are able to understand the problems and abnormalities that can occur during development.

Dr. Peter Nathanielsz, the first to demonstrate that the fetal brain delivers the signals that start the process of birth, reviews the recent explosion of information on fetal development during the second half of pregnancy. How genes store the blueprint for fetal development is explained, as well as the intricacies of the development and function of the major organ systems, the placenta, lungs, heart, and brain.

Listeners will be fascinated by the answers to such questions as: How does the fetus start the birth process? Why does the fetus make breathing movements? What are the functions of the placenta, the only truly throw-away organ? Can the fetus tell the time? How does the maternal lifestyle affect the fetus? Do prenatal events predispose to sudden infant death syndrome?

For 30 years, Dr. Peter Nathanielsz has researched the mysteries of fetal development. Life before Birth asks how we can improve the quality of fetal life and prepare the next generation for the challenges that lie ahead. It is a fascinating insight into a period of development through which we ourselves have passed. This book is for all those who marvel at the remarkable competence of the new baby whose cry signifies "I am here."

©1993 Peter W. Nathanielsz, MD; PhD (P)2000 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Great approachable intro to in utero life & physio

Where does Life before Birth and A Time to Be Born rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

For an approachable science book, very high.

Any additional comments?

This is essentially an introduction to fetal physiology, neurology, etc., focusing on the aspects that would be more interesting to a general audience. Nice balance between facts and digestability. The material is likely dated since the book is so old now, but much appears to be still relevant.

A scientific book which the average person can understand still. Thank you!

Although scientific, this book is a must for mothers to be.
You will understand what is happening while you are bearing your child and you will be advised by a scientist what to do to give the best chances to your child to be born safely and healthy.