Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The Reproductive System of the Togruta has been a subject of fascination for many centuries due to the species's ability to reproduce with many others in the known galaxy. This biological adaptability is considered a blessing to those eager to start families with partners not of their kind and a curse to those unfortunately familiar with the nature of trafficking that runs rampant in many systems. In this section, we will discuss the ovarian side of the system. Like other mammalia species, it is composed of two parts: internal and external genitalia. The external are the Labia Majora and Minora, the Clitoris, and the Urethral and Vaginal Openings. The internal are the Vagina, Cervix, Uterus, Fallopian Tubes, and Ovaries.

While it is the job of all the outer genitalia to protect the inner from infection, it is the Majora that covers them all. It is hairless like 99.9% of the Togruta body and is described as being shaped like an “ovular mound cut in half”. The Minora comes after, protecting the Urethral and Vaginal Openings; while the same shape as the Majora, it is thinner and lighter in color. The Clitoris is a sex organ which splits the Minora; it functions alongside the internal organs. Lastly, the Urethral and Vaginal Openings are the bottom of the Urethra and Vagina respectively. The first is where urine exits after being expelled from the bladder, and the second serves multiple purposes, allowing the penetration of the body for both reproduction, self-pleasure, or the birth of children.

The internal organs all function for the creation and development of offspring. Located in the pelvis, the Vagina is a tube of muscle that varies in length, width, and color by person. During penetrative sex or masturbation, the nerves within the vaginal walls are stimulated to cause arousal. The Cervix is a muscular tube that attaches the vagina and uterus; its length varies but it is commonly around four centimeters long, extending partially into the vagina. Togruta are born with a bicornuate uterus, a uterus that is shaped like a heart due to an indentation at the top of the organ. This causes the hollow cavity of the uterus to be split into two by a layer of tissue. During pregnancy, the uterus expands to accommodate the growth of fetus(s). Afterwards, it shrinks to a size close to what it looked like prior to one's first pregnancy. Connected to the uterus are the Fallopian Tubes which extend away from it forming a “V” shape with an ovary on either tube's end. The Ovaries are round and smooth in shape; it is inside them that ovum (eggs) grow in follicles/sacs until they burst and are released into the Fallopian Tubes. The eggs are maintained within a mucus membrane and are viable for an average Shilian week before they disintegrate and are reabsorbed back into the body.

Togruta who are capable of giving birth normally reach sexual maturity between the ages of 14 and 20. After this, they begin to enter cycles of estrous which lengths differ. Records show that some cycles are rather short, lasting either a few days to a couple of weeks while some can last upwards of half a month. It is common to have an estrous cycle every season/every two Shilian months, but there are some Togruta with irregular or monthly cycles.
During estrous, a Togruta will release pheromones that signal to other mature parties that they are sexually receptive. These pheromones are released by two different organs, the first through the skin via cold sweats as the Togruta's internal and external body temperatures lower, causing them to seek physical contact and other methods of generating heat such as eating, bathing, or wearing more furs. The second secretes from the inner folds of the Labia Majora. The Ovaries also cause hormonal changes in the body, leading to symptoms of arousal, changes in frequency of urination and bowel movements, headaches, changes in sleep patterns, and body aches.
Unlike Humans, Togruta can only conceive during estrous. They are induced ovulators, meaning that eggs are only released from the ovaries because of external stimuli before or during copulation; despite this, they have greater chances of becoming pregnant. The two main ways ovulation can be induced is by stroking the clitoris or vaginal walls.
To become pregnant, sperm must successfully travel through the vagina, cervix, and uterus all the way to the fallopian tubes. This is helped by the cervix which produces mucus that aids travel and protects the sperm from the body's immune system. If an egg is fertilized, it passes through the tubes to the uterus and implants itself onto its lining. By the time an egg implants itself, the corpus luteum- a cell within the ovaries- has begun releasing a hormone that causes the uterine walls to thicken and support growth.

A healthy Togruta using natural methods will normally conceive between 1 and 4 offspring, though there have been cases of sextuple pregnancies. When using intrauterine insemination, a Togruta is more likely to conceive more than one child with single pregnancies being rare. In contrast, in vitro fertilization results in singular pregnancies and rare multi-conceptions. Studies have found that Shili's colder months have a propensity for “baby booms”, a significant increase in birth rates, to occur. This is determined to be an evolutionary hold out from the Togruta's quadrapedal ancestors who are believed to have only mated during that time.

Fetal Development

Togruta normally carry their offspring for around 400 rotations/days, or 67 weeks/7.4 months. The fetus(s) development is tracked in intervals of 100 rotations each containing three stages of the gestational period. As a Togruta will likely already be weeks ahead in their pregnancy before seeing a health professional, Ob/Gyn start tracking pregnancies by the first day of the Togruta's estrous cycle or the first day they had relations if it is known.

First Interval

• Stage 1: Ovulation is induced, and ovum travel to the fallopian tubes to await fertilization. After ejaculation, sperm travels through the system to reach an egg and burrows inside to become a zygote. The zygote(s) begin to undergo mitosis, cells splitting as it travels to the uterus. By the time it reaches the uterine cavity, it has become a blastocyst, implanting itself upon the walls. Following a successful implantation, the body starts producing hormones to support pregnancy. Overall, the timeline for this stage is 20 rotations/3 weeks and two days. At this stage, the blastocyst is invisible to the naked eye and cannot be conventionally measured in size.
• Stage 2: After the blastocyst is implanted it splits into two, becoming the embryo and placenta. Soon after, the amniotic sac, a membrane that protects the fetus during gestation, forms around everything. These phases of development take an estimated 25 rotations, after which the embryo continues to grow. An additional 10 days will pass before the embryo has become three distinct layers of cells, the endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm, all of which will become the different systems of the body. At this stage, the embryo is about the size of a citrus seed, less than a centimeter in size, and is completely translucent.
• Stage 3: The embryo continues to grow, taking on the shape of a worm and is currently around a centimeter and a half long. After 20 rotations, a tail will sprout on one end while the other will have two lobules atop one another. The last twenty days of this stage will see the vestige of the circulatory system begin to form. By the end, the embryo's size should be around two centimeters.

Second Interval

• Stage 4: As the the circulatory system forms, as does the neural tube that makes up the brain and spinal cord. This takes around 28 days. After, the beginnings of the digestive system take shape, and the placenta and umbilical cord will have fully developed, providing the embryo with much needed oxygen and nutrients. At this stage, the embryo's size is still the same as it was at the end of the Third.
• Stage 5: The head, montrals, lekku, and limbs emerge. The two lobules distinguish themselves with the top becoming ovular, almost bean-like, in shape; this will be the hollow horns and head-tails. At the same time, the second begins to wrinkle and fold, preparing for the construction of the eyes, nose, and jaw. The arms and legs start out as simple nubs before growing out into wedded appendages. By this time, the tail, now apart of the spinal cord, has begun to shrink, and the embryo's features will somewhat resemble that of a typical Togruta fetus. This stage takes around 10 days, and, by the end of it, the embryo has grown to a quarter of an inch.
• Stage 6: This stage takes up the last sixty-two days of the Second Interval. Many of the body's other essential systems begin to develop, and the embryo begins to rapidly grow in size. The head sees the formation of lips and eyelids, the eyes gain their retinas, and the montrals gain the auditory bulla to later help them hear. Muscles, bone, and cartilage form, leading to movement within the womb as the limbs and phalanges are better defined, and veins and arteries come into existence. By the end of this stage, the tail of the spinal cord is completely gone; and the the embryo has now become a proper fetus; its size is three and a half inches.

The Second Interval is where the Togruta's womb starts to expand as the amniotic sac's fluid swells in volume. This is also the point in the pregnancy where the parent begins to lactate.

Third Interval

• Stage 7: Organs have begun to migrate to their proper place; the intestines, once located within the umbilical cord, move inside the abdomen, and the eyes, nose, and lips gather symmetrically on the face. The fetus' muscles mature, leading to more fluid movement within the womb. The montrals and lekku begin to lengthen, looking like a helmet around the head. Nails begin their slow growth from the fingers and toes.
• Stage 8: The fetus' heart rate becomes steady. The brain gains convolutions/wrinkles; more brain cells start to develop. Fat is accumulating within the body. Nerves are covered in myelin, a fatty membrane that helps signals travel/send messages. The fetus' has begun producing more red blood cells, sending them to various organs. The nervous system matures in senses; touch and taste are better developed than than hearing, sight, and smell.
• Stage 9: The fetus has begun to suckle and swallow fluid within the sac; taste buds develop. Prints start to form on the fingers and toes. The fetus develops a temporary coating called vernix to protect its skin from wrinkles caused by the amniotic fluid; it also helps regulate their body temperature and promotes immune health. The skin begins to gain its pigmentation, becoming opaque.

An interval dictated by the continued rapid growth of the fetus; by the end, it will 18 inches in size and weigh two and a half pounds. The parent will begin to feel the movement of their offspring inside of them. Their belly expands further, and stretch marks start to appear on the body.

Fourth Interval:

• Stage 10: The growth of the fetus slows down. The eyes open, but the vision is still blurry; they begin to blink often. The lungs prepare to operate outside of the womb alongside the nose; the sense of smell is fully developed. The fetus starts reacting to external stimuli with movement and touch and can experience REM sleep.
• Stage 11: The fetus gains their eyelashes, the only hair on the Togruta body. Greyish-white dots appear where body markings will grow- brow, chest, back, arms, legs, etc. The immune and digestive system prepare for life outside the womb. The fetus begins moving into position to be birthed, head down towards the cervix.
• Stage 12: Also referred to as the Term Stage, this starts two weeks/twelve days before the parent's due date. Most bodily functions are operational with a few exceptions. The child(ren) will be born somewhat blind and deaf. The montrals and bones of the skull are still soft for easier travel out of the birth canal. By the end of this stage, the fetus should be about 20 inches in size and weigh three and a half pounds.

It must be noted that if one were to go by the Galactic Standard Calendar, Togruta carry their young for 333 rotations/days, or 66.5 weeks/9.5 months. Because of this time difference, the stage tracking of pregnancies for Togruta living on Core Worlds is substantially different. Many Ob/Gyn on these worlds follow human-oriented natal care, and stages of Togruta pregnancies are consequently merged to fit that medical model.

Pregnancy Symptoms & Complications

Now that you know the development of the offspring, we can discuss the health of the Togruta carrying them. General pregnancy symptoms tend to be Fatigue, Fever, Mood Swings, Nausea, Changes in Eating Habits, Changes in Frequency of Urination, and Urinary Tract Infections. These can be experienced throughout every stage of the gestational period. However, records also show that some symptoms only show in specific intervals. For example, during the First Interval, the Togruta will notice abdominal pressure as the embryo implants itself in the uterus. The Second Interval will prompt the darkening of the parent's areolas and their breasts and/or head-tails start to become tender and swell. The Third Interval may see some develop more acute hearing, smell, and/or taste. As one nears their due date, they should display a decrease or cease in all symptoms.

For many, the development of the fetus(s) can be a relatively subdued experience while others can be debilitating and leave them bed-ridden for long periods of time, weeks or perhaps even months. In these vulnerable moments, expecting parents have to rely on their clan and community to bring them food, water, and keep company. Those with physical and/or mental disabilities have been found to be more likely to experience complications than those without. Some complications that can arise are:

• Anemia: With a lower than normal number of red blood cells, one may begin to feel weak or tired. Supplementing the pregnant party with more iron could help manage symptoms.
• Anxiety: Changes in body and hormone levels can cause symptoms of anxiety within pregnant Togruta. Fear, worry, and/or panic over their new offspring can develop into physical complications such as heart palpitations if not managed. Studies have found that supportive partners, clan, and community can help with these feelings.
• Auditory Hallucinations: Pregnant Togruta can sometimes hear voices, animal growls, or movement when there is none. These perceived sounds can cause great distress, leading to symptoms of anxiety, sleep deprivation, or self harm. Studies have found that Togruta who have lost loved ones, such as a parent, friend, or partner are more likely to have this complication. It is imperative that the pregnant party seek the help of a trusted companion or medical expert to help manage these symptoms.
• Body Dysmorphia: With the changes that pregnancy brings upon the body, some Togruta find themselves suffering from BDD. Focusing on perceived flaws of their body, constant rechecking of appearance, compulsive grooming, and symptoms of depression and anxiety are all things that can be observed.
• Depression: With pregnancy comes changes not only in the body but also in lifestyle. Pregnant parties may begin to exhibit symptoms of depression as they are hindered in enjoying or participating in community ventures such as The Hunt or even bedridden on account of complications. This can lead to lack of care for oneself and the fetus(s). It is crucial that pregnant Togruta in a depressive state have a companion and/or something to keep them busy to help manage these symptoms.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: A life-threatening complication where an egg implants itself elsewhere but the uterus, usually the fallopian tubes. This can cause ruptures, internal, bleeding, and infection. In these cases, the pregnancy must be ended to save the parent's life. If this is the cause, symptoms of depression may follow; supportive peers are needed in this case both for the recovery period and mourning process.
• Extreme Edema of the Legs, Ankles, or Feet: Fluid builds up in the tissue of the person's lower half causing swelling. Trouble or the inability to walk may occur along with soreness in the affected area.
• Hyperacusis: The reverb between one's montrals becomes heightened, making common sounds such as talking or running water sound extremely loud causing headaches, migraines, loss of balance, stress, or anxiety. Episodes of this can cause pregnant parties to isolate out of fear, leading to depression due to lack of socialization.
• Hyperemesis: While nausea is a common symptom of pregnancy, this complication entails persistent nausea and vomiting. Togruta experiencing this can develop weight loss, dehydration, and sore throat.
• Preeclampsia: A possibly life-threatening condition that develops during the Third Interval onward. Togruta can develop hypertension and high amounts of protein in their urine. If not treated, this can lead to organ damage, seizures, blurry or darkening vision, and more.
• Preterm Birth: The child is born before the Third Interval is passed. This can lead to many health complications for the infant or even death depending on the stage of development.

Infertility, Miscarriage & Stillbirth

While Togruta have a greater chance to become pregnant, there are still those who struggle to do so. Infertility is a common issue for 1 in 6 Togruta across Shili. While on a whole, fertility for those capable of giving birth decreases after a person's sixtieth birthday, public health records show that irregularities in the internal genitalia- not ovulating during copulation, endometriosis- and other parts of the body along with missed estrous have a large part to play in the inability to conceive for those younger.
Historical records on Shili show fertility treatments going back millennia within many of the Unified Tribes. The treatments varied by region, application, and drawbacks, but many were efficient enough to survive the test of time. Modern gynecology built itself off these pre-industrial findings, leading to a multitude of options ranging from medicine to surgery all being available to those who want it. For instance, gynecological and birth records report that families with fertility issues were were more likely to use either surrogacy or IVF.

Alongside infertility, there are also many who struggle to stay pregnant. A miscarriage, or spontaneous abortion, is classified as a pregnancy that is lost prior to the Third Interval. It is during the beginning stages of pregnancy that one could lose their offspring to a variety of reasons; hormonal imbalances, viral infections, genetics, and age are just some of the many. There is also evidence that suggests that some species are more difficult to reproduce with than others. In the case of Twi'lek, Nautolan, and Mikkian partners, the risk of miscarriage goes up by 15% compared to Humans (4%), Mirialans (7%), or Pantorans (5%). After a miscarriage, the embryonic tissue and uterus lining disintegrates and is reabsorbed. The person may have never known they were pregnant to to begin with, or, in the cases of multiples, the individual could miscarry one child and carry the other(s) to term. Additionally, there are very rare cases where the fetus(s) mummify within the womb. This happens when, after the fetal death, the body creates an additional protective membrane around the amniotic sac, and the embryo dries up inside of it. In these situations, if there are no healthy fetus(s) within the womb, the parent is induced into labor to protect their health as, while not common, the membrane could break and cause sepsis.

It is possible for a Togruta to become pregnant again after a miscarriage. Research shows that there is no change in the ability for one to conceive after such an event, however, there is also a greater chance for them to miscarry again.

On Shili, a stillbirth is classified as a fetal death that has occurred between the Seventh Stage and the Term Stage. Causes can range from problems with the placenta and/or umbilical cord, genetics, pregnancy complications, and infections. Stillbirths are a possibility for any and all pregnant persons; however, studies have found that older and/or disabled Togruta have a higher risk of loss. In the event of one, it is up to the parent to choose how they wish to remove the fetus from their body, natural or induced labor or cesarean. Much like miscarriages, stillbirths are a time of mourning, and it is important for grieving parents to have someone to confide in. For many Togruta, it may take months or even years before they attempt to conceive again.

While infertility, miscarriages, and stillbirth all have their own factors leading into them, matters of nutrition, environmental circumstances, alcohol and/or substance abuse, trauma, sexually transmitted disease, and disability can contribute to each possibility. It is important that all pregnant persons have routine check-ups with health specialists to reaffirm both their own and their child's health.

Labor

There are three stages to Togruta labor: Contractions, Birthing, and Expiration. Contraction is where the muscles of the uterus tighten and relax over a series of hours. This allows the Cervix to both thin and dilate; it also compresses the blood vessels in the uterus to minimize the risk of blood loss and pushes the fetus(s) down the birth canal. Contractions normally start two to four days before it is time to give birth. They can last upwards of over a minute and get stronger as time passes. Some laboring Togruta have described contractions as a sharp pain across one's stomach and stealing the breath out of one's lungs. It is generally recommended that expecting parents seek refuge and pain relief when contractions start even if they haven't become debilitating. By the end of this stage, the cervix should have dilated by a foot.
The second stage is where the Togruta actually births their offspring. Guided by a healer or doctor, they must push alongside their contractions. This stage's duration is indeterminate, dependent on the number of offspring the Togruta is carrying and how fast each leaves the birth canal.
The last stage is the most important. Since Togruta offspring are born with the amniotic sac still intact, it much be cut open. Any fluid within the mouth and nose are to be cleared and a warm hand must rub their chest to trigger the infants lungs to begin expanding. Finally, they must be cut from their umbilical cord. These steps must be repeated for any and all offspring the Togruta births.

Centuries before the invention of bacta, cesarean deliveries were performed on Shili. With the parent induced into an altered state of mind, their abdomen was sliced, and poultices to mitigate blood loss were arranged around the incision. The fetus(es) were removed and Expiration was conducted as normal. Once the delivery was complete, the incision was closed and another medicated poultice was applied to assist in the healing process. In modern times, the incision point is numbed with medication, and a bacta dressing is applied over the stitching for those applicable.

Labor Complications

While Togruta labor is a somewhat straight forward endeavor, there are problems that can arise during the process. These can include but are not limited to:

• Abnormal Infant Positioning: A scenario in which the baby prepares to leave the uterus in an incorrect position. This can be feet or buttocks first or sideways. Due to the shape of the Togruta's uterus, it is more likely for these sort of complications to occur, especially if they are pregnant with more than one child. Though most pregnancies will see infant position righted with no intervention, deliveries with this complication can lead to injury for the parent.
• Constricted Umbilical Cord: The umbilical cord has been compromised, usually by infant movement within the womb, leading to the infant being deprived of oxygen and nutrients. This is a possibly fatal situation, in some cases needing of a cesarean section to rescue to the infant.
• Inter-species Term Birth: Some species have shorter or longer gestational periods than Togruta. Because of this, labor may need to be induced early for the sake of the parent's and child's health.
• Obstructed Birth Canal: A complication in which the infant is prevented from leaving through the cervix by an obstacle. This normally arises during a Sac Rupture, either the placenta or umbilical cord leaves the cervix during infant positioning and blocks passage. This complication can cause vaginal bleeding, and a cesarean may need to be conducted.
• Preterm Labor: Labor begins before the Third Interval of pregnancy. This complication can lead to premature birth; however, there are treatments available to stop the process and allow the fetus(s) to develop as normal.
• Rapid Labor: A serious complication in which the infant exits the uterus before the cervix can fully dilate, this can lead to internal injuries such as vaginal, cervical, and/or anal tearing; this could lead to hemorrhaging and shock. If the parent was not secured in a clean birthing area, they are also at risk of infection.
• Sac Rupture: The amniotic sac breaks during contractions. While this in and of itself is considered a minor complication as the placenta will now have to be passed alongside the child, sac ruptures can lead to other problems such as infection, obstructed birth canal, or a constricted umbilical cord.
• Uterine Rupture: A possibly fatal emergency where the walls of the uterus tear open. While a rare complication, it is no less serious and can be caused by trauma to the uterus, a breech pregnancy, or if one's uterus is stretched too thin, something seen with multi-child pregnancies, and needs to be fixed with surgery immediately after child delivery. While in most cases, parent and child are fine in the aftermath, some uterine ruptures lead to the removal of the uterus all together.

Post- Labor & Complications

For Togruta, the first cycle after birth is one of merriment and wariness. As clans acclimate to the new addition(s), they are also monitoring the health of the post labor parent. While some heal relatively well, there are some who are afflicted with symptoms ranging from fatigue, high grade fevers, painful bowel movements, to odorous vaginal discharge or bleeding. A healer/doctor can usually treat these symptoms, assuring their charge's health is maintained, but others may require more in-depth assistance or even hospitalization. These can be a stroke, shock, hemorrhaging, seizures, shortness of breath, etc. Left untreated, post-labor complications can be fatal.

Alongside possible physical disorders, there are also mental struggles. Two known illnesses are postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis respectively. PPD is a depressive state that can last upwards of weeks or months and starts in the following days after birth. The parent may begin to display common depression symptoms along with being distant from their offspring, family, and friends; they can also experience intrusive thoughts of harming themselves or the child(ren). PPP is a condition that onsets in the following weeks after birth. The parent develops symptoms such as hallucinations, delusion, insomnia, depression or mania, anxiety, and depersonalization. PPD and PPP are believed to be more common in Togruta than in species like Humans; a dissertation by Psychologist Barika Zavros asserts that Togruta struggle with psychological ailments more than other species due their spatial awareness and connection to the planet in which they walk upon. Be that as it may, both of these illnesses can be treated with the help of a professional, and early intervention has been shown to have greater results.

Conclusion

The Togruta's ovarian system is a complex wonder capable of giving life not only to their own, but many other sapients, even some plenty would consider to be unusual. The species' adaptability is one to marvel, though one can never forget the most important element to bring about a healthy pregnancy. Connection and support is what drives many of the Togruta, both culturally and biologically. With not only healers but their partner(s), family, and friends at their side, expecting parents can be sure to welcome another into their fold in just a hair's breadth of a year.