A caul in pregnancy refers to the rare occurrence of a baby being born with the amniotic sac completely intact, meaning the baby is still enclosed in the membrane during birth. This is also sometimes called an "en caul" birth.
Understanding En Caul Births
- Definition: An en caul birth happens when the amniotic sac, which contains the baby and amniotic fluid during pregnancy, remains unbroken throughout the delivery process. The baby is essentially born inside the sac.
- Rarity: En caul births are uncommon. The linked article describes them as exceedingly rare in emergency departments.
- "Mermaid" or "Veiled" Birth: En caul births are sometimes referred to as "mermaid" or "veiled" births.
- Safety: While visually striking, an en caul birth is not inherently dangerous. In fact, it can sometimes be beneficial, particularly in cases of premature birth, as the sac provides an extra layer of protection for the baby during delivery. The sac is typically broken by the doctor or midwife shortly after birth to allow the baby to breathe.
In summary, a caul, or en caul, birth is a rare and visually unique event where the baby is born still completely enclosed within the amniotic sac.
