A newborn baby in Brazil is making headlines for holding the contraceptive device that was meant to prevent his birth. The baby, named Matheus Gabriel, arrived at the Hospital Sagrado Coracao de Jesus in Neropolis, Goias, and a photo of him holding the intrauterine device (IUD) quickly went viral. The image has left people amazed and curious about how birth control failed.
The ‘miracle baby’ who beat the odds
According to a report by The Mirror, Matheus’s mother, Queidy Araujo de Oliveira, had been using a copper IUD for almost two years before getting pregnant. The IUD, often called a ‘coil,’ is considered one of the most effective birth control methods, with a more than 99 per cent success rate in preventing pregnancy.
Queidy found out she was pregnant during a routine check-up. Doctors found out that the IUD was still in place, but removing it could lead to a miscarriage. So, it was left inside her womb for the rest of the pregnancy. Even though she faced some complications like bleeding and partial placental detachment, Queidy delivered a healthy baby boy.
Soon after the birth, the doctor, Dr. Natalia Rodrigues, noticed the IUD and placed it in the baby’s hand. The moment was captured in a photo that quickly went viral. Sharing the picture on Instagram, Dr. Rodrigues wrote, “Holding my victory trophy: the IUD that couldn’t handle me!”
Both mother and baby are said to be healthy and doing well.
What exactly is an IUD?
An intrauterine device, or IUD, is a small T-shaped birth control device that’s placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two main types, copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs. According to the Mayo Clinic, copper IUDs work by releasing copper ions, which make it harder for sperm to reach and fertilise an egg. Hormonal IUDs, on the other hand, release progestin, which thickens cervical mucus and thins the uterine lining to block sperm.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), an IUD is one of the most effective reversible contraceptive methods available. It lasts between 5 to 10 years depending on the type. It can be removed anytime if a woman decides to conceive.
Who can get an IUD?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most women can safely use an IUD, even those who haven’t had children. It’s often recommended for women who want long-term and low-maintenance birth control. However, it may not be suitable for those with pelvic infections or unexplained vaginal bleeding.
While cases like Queidy’s are rare, no birth control method is 100 per cent foolproof. As per Mayo Clinic, in fewer than 1 in 100 women, the IUD may fail due to displacement, incorrect placement, or expulsion from the uterus.