Watch The Nine Months That Made You

The Nine Months That Made You is a fascinating and informative documentary series that takes viewers on a journey through the complex and extraordinary process of human development in the womb. Hosted by renowned developmental biologist Dr. Michael Mosley, this series uncovers the latest scientific research and explores the remarkable ways in which our genes, environment, and experiences interact during pregnancy to shape who we are as individuals.

The series is divided into three episodes, each focusing on a different stage of prenatal development. In the first episode, "One of a Kind," Dr. Mosley explores the moment of conception and the crucial first few weeks of gestation, when the basic blueprint for the body and brain is established. Through cutting-edge technologies such as time-lapse microscopy and 3D ultrasound, viewers witness the awe-inspiring process of cell division and differentiation, as well as the critical role played by the mother's body in providing nutrients and support to the developing embryo.

The second episode, "First Steps," delves into the middle months of pregnancy, when the fetal brain undergoes rapid growth and complex neural networks begin to form. Dr. Mosley introduces viewers to the groundbreaking work of researchers who have used advanced imaging techniques to track the development of these networks, revealing surprising insights into the origins of social and emotional behavior, language, and memory.

Finally, in the third episode, "The Final Countdown," Dr. Mosley investigates the last trimester of pregnancy, when the fetus gains weight and prepares for life outside the womb. Viewers witness the astonishing feats of strength and agility performed by fetuses in utero, as well as the complex mechanisms that allow them to adapt to changing environmental conditions and prepare for the challenges of birth.

Throughout the series, Dr. Mosley places the latest scientific discoveries in the context of broader social and ethical debates, exploring questions such as: What role do our genes play in determining our physical and mental traits? How much agency do we have in shaping our own destiny? And what are the implications of emerging technologies such as gene editing and artificial wombs for our understanding of what it means to be human?

Featuring interviews with leading scientists in the fields of genetics, neuroscience, obstetrics, and embryology, as well as personal accounts from parents and children who have experienced the fascinating and sometimes mysterious process of prenatal development, The Nine Months That Made You is both a captivating exploration of human biology and a thought-provoking meditation on the nature of identity, free will, and the human condition.

The Nine Months That Made You is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between June 29, 2016 and on PBS