These 17 NSFW Photos Show the Raw, Intense Reality of Childbirth

08/31/2017 04:20 pm EDT

For both moms and dads to be, childbirth is an incredibly powerful experience. While there have been literally billions of birth experiences on Earth, each one is totally unique. And while some parents choose for the births of their children to be private memories, others hire birth photographers to capture the breathtaking moments forever.

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Birth Becomes Her, a Colorado organization that works to create a space for birth photographers, hosts the Moment of Birth Contest every year to showcase the most beautiful, unique and moving images from childbirth. Over 100 birth photographers from around the world submitted photos for this year's contest, and over the course of a five-week selection process, one grand prize winner, two runners up and more finalists were chosen.

Start the gallery ahead to see the magical images taken during childbirth.

Warning: While birth is beautiful, it can get messy and real. Be prepared to see graphic images.

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