livebirth

Livebirth refers to the delivery of a fetus that shows any sign of life after separation from the mother. These signs can include breathing, heartbeat, or movement of voluntary muscles. It is distinct from stillbirth, which is the delivery of a fetus that shows no signs of life. The definition of livebirth is crucial for legal and medical purposes, particularly in distinguishing between a liveborn infant and a non-viable fetus.

The process of livebirth typically occurs after a period of gestation, the duration of which varies depending on the species. For humans, a full-term pregnancy is considered to be around 40 weeks. The delivery itself is usually preceded by labor, a series of muscular contractions of the uterus that expel the fetus and placenta from the mother's body. This can occur vaginally or via surgical intervention, such as a Cesarean section.

Following a livebirth, the newborn undergoes immediate medical assessment. This includes evaluating their Apgar score, which measures heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. Ensuring the newborn's ability to breathe and maintain vital functions is paramount. Livebirth marks the beginning of an infant's independent existence, requiring ongoing care and support for growth and development.