Pregnancy complications may have helped wipe out Neanderthals
Phys.org
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The mysterious disappearance of Neanderthals from the fossil record around 40,000 years ago has long puzzled scientists, with theories pointing to factors like competition with modern humans and rapid climate change. However, new research suggests that pregnancy-related health issues such as preeclampsia and eclampsia may have played a significant role in their decline. These conditions, which can lead to serious complications for both mother and child, could have posed unique challenges for Neanderthal populations, potentially contributing to their gradual extinction.
Neanderthals shared many physical traits with modern humans, including similar body structures that might have made them more susceptible to pregnancy-related health issues. Preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy, and eclampsia, which involves seizures, could have had particularly devastating effects on their reproductive success. Unlike modern humans, who may have evolved ways to mitigate these risks, Neanderthals lacked the medical knowledge or societal structures to address such complications effectively.
The implications of this research are profound for our understanding of human evolution and health. It highlights how even minor differences in anatomy or biology could have had significant consequences for ancient populations. By exploring these connections, scientists gain a more comprehensive view of the challenges faced by early humans, including Neanderthals, and how they navigated the complexities of survival and reproduction in prehistoric times.
This study also underscores the importance of understanding health issues across different time periods and species, offering insights into how evolutionary pressures shape human biology. For readers interested in science, this research not only sheds light on the Neanderthal extinction but also connects it to broader questions about human resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges—whether environmental, competitive,
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/20/2026