A Greek doctor took this incredible and rare photo during a caesarean section:
The image, recently posted on Imgur, shows a baby who has been born with his amniotic sac intact — known as an ‘en caul’ or a veil birth. Normally, the amniotic sac bursts either at the beginning or during labor. However, on this occasion it didn’t burst at all, meaning the baby wasn’t even aware that he’d been born.
Greek obstetrician Dr Aris Tsigris originally posted this photo on his Facebook profile, saying:
“A rare picture… the baby still has not understood that he was born… it’s like he is still in the womb. This is known as veil birth and is more common in premature births. Complete occlusion of the newborn in the bag does not let the baby drown in the amniotic fluid, it begins to breathe immediately after removal of the ‘veil’, as the placenta continues to feed the baby with blood.”
A caul birth is extremely rare and in some cultures and religions it is believed that it gives the child special powers.
We’re happy to say that this particular baby was born safe and healthy.