Artificial womb could help premature babies

Scientists have designed an artificial womb to keep premature lambs alive in a breakthrough that could dramatically increase the survival chances of critically preterm human babies

1 Lamb contained in protective bag filled with mixture of warm water and added salts similar to amniotic fluid. Foetus “breathes” as it would in normal womb

2 Foetal heart pumps blood through umbilical cord linked to artificial placenta

3 Oxygen and nutrients supplied to blood in placenta and waste products removed

4 Blood returned to heart


1 2 3 4

Oxygen and nutrients in

Waste out


Litres of amniotic-like fluid steadily flushed through bag each day to ensure continuous
fresh supply

Artificial womb allows organs to develop more naturally than in incubator, sustaining premature lamb for four weeks – equivalent in age to 23-week-old human infant

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Source: Nature Communications 

Picture: Associated Press

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