If you are a mother- to-be, you must have heard of the term 'water breaking' or 'water breaking' when you are about to have a baby. That is usually what happens. But think about it, it is very rare, sometimes the baby is born without the water breaking at all, but outside of it. It is like the baby is inside a transparent jelly ball. This is truly an amazing sight. Today we are talking about this very rare and special event, which is known in medical science as 'En Caul Birth' .
Simply put, what is this 'En Caul Birth'?
Throughout your pregnancy, your baby grows inside your uterus in a thin sac. In medical terms , this is called the amniotic sac . In our colloquial language, it is called the 'bag of water.' This sac is filled with a special liquid called amniotic fluid.
This bag of water is the safest place for the baby. It's like an airbag. Even if the baby gets a little bump on the stomach or if there's an accident, this bag protects the baby from harm. It also helps maintain the baby's necessary temperature.
So, throughout the pregnancy, the baby grows inside this sac. When labor is about to begin, usually the amniotic sac, or bag of water, breaks on its own. We call this 'water breaks'. But sometimes, the sac may not break until labor pains start and the baby is born. That's when the baby comes out of the sac, like a jelly ball. We call this 'En Caul Birth'.
This is a completely random occurrence. No one can predict or intend for this to happen. And there is no way to say that this is better or worse than a normal birth. It is just a very rare, special event.
Why is the baby's position important?
Throughout your pregnancy, your baby will be moving around in your uterus, trying out different positions. But as your baby gets bigger, there will be less room for him to move around. As your due date approaches, your baby will settle into one position, ready for birth.
The baby is gradually moving down your cervix, preparing to come out through the birth canal. The birth canal is like a stretchy tunnel. When labor pains occur, that is, when your uterus contracts , your body widens this tunnel to make way for the baby to come out.
So, the best position for a successful birth is one where the baby's head is facing down and the baby's face is facing the mother's back . Usually, the baby naturally turns into this position during the third trimester of pregnancy, between 32 and 36 weeks.
What to do if the baby is not in the correct position?
Your doctor will often check the baby's position. When you go to the clinic, the doctor will place his or her hand on your belly to get an idea of how the baby is positioned. Sometimes an ultrasound scan is also done to confirm the baby's position.
Because, everyone's goal is for both mother and baby to make it through this journey safely. If the baby is somehow not in the right position for delivery, it can be a bit challenging. But don't worry, there are a few things you and your doctor can try to get your baby into the right position.
| Possible method to try | What happens to it? |
|---|---|
| External Cephalic Version (ECV) | This is done by the doctor. He or she will place their hands on your belly, very carefully lift the baby's buttocks, apply pressure from the outside of the uterus, and slowly rotate the baby so that the head is facing down. |
| Changing your posture | Sometimes you can encourage your baby by changing your position. For example, by kneeling down with your hands on the floor and rocking back and forth slowly. Or, by lying on the floor with your knees bent and your hips raised. |
| Stimulation by sound or touch | Even in the womb, babies can hear music, feel the light changing, and hear your voice when you speak. So, you can put headphones on a certain part of the womb and play a song to see if the baby turns that way. Or, you can put a small, cold cloth on the upper part of the womb and see if the baby tries to move away from it and down. |
None of these methods are guaranteed to be 100% successful, but they are worth a try. The most important thing is to not try any of these things on your own without consulting your doctor. Most of the time, babies will find their way into the correct position on their own. All you have to do is relax as much as possible and follow your doctor's instructions.
What happens after being born as 'En Caul'?
Imagine your baby is born 'en caul'. What happens next? There's nothing to worry about.
Your doctor or midwife will carefully and slowly cut open the sac with scissors. Like puncturing a small hole in a water-filled balloon, the water inside the sac will start to come out.
Throughout this entire process, the baby gets everything it needs. Even while inside the bag, the baby has the air it needs to breathe. Also, the baby continues to receive oxygen-rich blood through the umbilical cord, which is connected to the baby's belly. Therefore, the baby does not experience any discomfort.
What happens next is very similar to what happens during a normal birth. Most babies start breathing and crying as soon as they are born. Some babies, especially if they have had a little difficulty during labor, may take their first breath a little later. But don't worry about it.
Your doctor and the medical team are there to help your baby. They will take your baby to a special warming station and check to make sure he or she is okay.
Once the baby's breathing is stable, they will hand the baby over to you. You can ask for skin-to-skin contact , or you can start the beautiful bond by wrapping your baby in a warm blanket. You will be holding a healthy, happy baby who has been waiting to see you.
Take-Home Message
- 'En Caul Birth' is when the baby is born without breaking the amniotic sac (water sac). This is a very rare occurrence.
- This is not dangerous. The baby is completely safe because it is still receiving the oxygen it needs through the umbilical cord while inside the bag.
- After the baby is born, the doctor carefully opens the sac. Everything after that is just like a normal birth.
- The most important thing for a safe delivery is the baby's position, and your doctor will always be paying attention to this.
- Follow your doctor's instructions carefully throughout your pregnancy. Stay calm. We wish you a healthy birth!
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