Live birth (human)

Live birth (human) refers to the event in human reproduction when a fetus, regardless of gestational age, is born and demonstrates any sign of life after exiting the maternal body. This sign of life can include voluntary movement, heartbeat, or pulsation of the umbilical cord, even if these signs are observed for a brief moment and regardless of the condition of the umbilical cord or placenta.

Definition and History

The definition of "live birth" was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1950 for public health and statistical purposes. According to the WHO's definition, the occurrence of a live birth is independent of whether the birth is vaginal or via Caesarean section, and whether the neonate is ultimately viable. This definition is used globally for compiling vital statistics and for tracking birth rates and other health-related metrics. While the term "live birth" has been in common usage for centuries, the standardized definition by WHO provided a more formalized approach to reporting and documenting births worldwide.

In the United States, the term "born alive" is defined by federal statute. Live births are officially recorded on a U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth, also known as a birth certificate. The certificate is an official document issued by government authorities after the birth of a child and is used for a variety of legal and administrative purposes. In 2016, the United States recorded 3.95 million live births according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Live Birth and Birth Certificates

In the context of public health and vital statistics, live births are documented on official birth certificates. These certificates are vital records that serve as an official recognition of the birth and are used for legal, medical, and identity purposes. The information typically includes the name of the child, the date and time of birth, the place of birth, and the parents' information.

U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth

The U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth is a legal document issued to record the birth of a child in the United States. This certificate is issued by the state or county where the birth occurs. It serves as an essential official document for obtaining social security numbers, health insurance, and other identity-related services. The data gathered from birth certificates is also used for demographic and public health analyses, tracking population trends, and ensuring the proper allocation of resources.

Live Birth and Modern Medical Practices

Advancements in medical technology have allowed for greater precision in identifying the occurrence of live births. For example, in some cases, babies born prematurely or with health complications may survive for a brief time after birth due to medical intervention or the natural resilience of the newborn. The definition of a live birth is still important for differentiating between stillbirths (where the fetus shows no signs of life after delivery) and live births, regardless of the baby's subsequent health outcomes.

Unique Cases

Some women have shared videos online of their live births, often highlighting the emotional and personal significance of the event. In some rare cases, medical reports have documented unique scenarios such as a woman having a live birth from a frozen embryo that was created prior to undergoing cancer treatment. These reports reflect advances in fertility preservation techniques, such as cryopreservation of embryos, that allow women to conceive after medical procedures that may impact their fertility.

See also

• Childbirth
• Perinatal death
• Stillbirth
• Intrapartum death
• Neonatal death
• Abortion
• Elective abortion
• Anomalous pregnancy
• Miscarriage
• Maternal death
• Born alive rule