Mermaid Birth: Spanish Twins Born in 1 in 80,000 Rare Phenomenon

The world is raving about a rare birth phenomenon on Wednesday in a hospital in Vinaros, Castellon Valencia Region in Spain. A Spanish twin was delivered in a one in 80,000 "mermaid birth" or was born while still inside an intact amniotic sac.

The amniotic sac usually ruptures when a mother's water breaks before the labor begins. The Mirror reported that the twins were born with the amniotic sac intact and successfully delivered via caesarian section.

Gynecologist and obstetrician Ana Teijelo, the medical team handling the C-section, ensured that the delivery went smoothly. She shared the photos and videos of the delivery on Twitter. The doctors posted the pictures of the twins with the parents' permission. She posted that this is the first veiled caesarian section she has seen, and she loves it.

Mermaid birth or en caul

A mermaid birth occurs when a baby is delivered wrapped in a soft, jello-like bubble called the amniotic sac. It is also called veiled birth or en caul birth. This birth takes place once in 80,000 times.

The amniotic sac, according to Healthline, has two layers. It is filled with amniotic fluid in which the baby floats during the pregnancy. The sac protects the baby and keeps them warm throughout fetal development. The babies drink amniotic fluid, and it also aids in developing the lungs and other organs. It also helps the baby excrete for the first time after birth.

Usually, the amniotic sac breaks when the mother goes to labor, hence, the "water breaking." But in en caul or mermaid births, they remain intact even after childbirth. Mermaid births are less common in vaginal births than caesareans, but they can still happen, especially if the baby is premature.

The doctors can cut through the sac to give birth, but in some cases, doctors decide to deliver the babies fully contained in the sac. However, many babies have been seen slowly breaking open the sac they are covered in.

Attributed to fame and fortune

According to Beach Cities Midwifery, en caul births or mermaid births have been attributed to fame and fortune and are associated with magical and spiritual abilities.

In Old Nordic beliefs, a child born en caul is believed to have the unique ability to navigate the world and foresee the future.

In the 16th century, some physicians began to scorn any superstitious beliefs associated with en caul births.

Nonetheless, being born en caul is good luck for both the baby and the parents. In some cultures, parents and midwives save and dry the caul as a good luck charm. In many parts of Europe, the amniotic sac or "caul" is often sold as a token of good luck and protection.

One of the myths associated with en caul is that babies can never drown. Folklores also associate babies born en caul with being destined for greatness.

Whether one believes in the myths associated with en caul birth, being born and witnessing an en caul birth is a rare and fortunate event. Most delivery doctors and midwives have never seen an en caul birth in their careers.