Final answer:
Human birth is more dangerous than that of many other mammals due to the size and maturity of human fetuses, the intense labor involved in childbirth, and the energetic costs to the mother. The transition from womb to external environment poses risks for the newborn as well.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why Human Birth Is More Dangerous
Human birth is considered to be more dangerous than many other mammal species due to several factors. One significant factor is that humans are placental mammals, which means they give birth to relatively large and mature fetuses. This leads to increased risks for the mother, as the fetus requires more nourishment, making the mother eat more and become less mobile, and leaving her more vulnerable to external threats, such as predation. Furthermore, the size and development level of the fetus make childbirth physically demanding due to the extreme muscular work required for labor and delivery.
Another aspect is the energetic cost of pregnancy, where mothers devote a large portion of their energy to gestation and care, which can compromise their own health. Additionally, the birthing process itself is a critical event for both mother and baby. Any complications during childbirth, such as malformation which occur in a percentage of all live births, can have severe consequences. Animal species that produce fewer offspring often have offspring that are helpless at birth, necessitating prolonged parental care.
The transition from the womb to the external environment at birth represents a significant shock to the newborn's system, further illustrating the complexities surrounding human childbirth. The fetus goes from a stable environment where its needs are continuously met by the placenta, to one where it must adapt to independent life outside the uterus, which can be jarring and risky.