What Is en Caul Birth? (2024)

En caul birth or veiled birth is when a fetus is delivered while still inside the amniotic sac, the fluid-filled membrane that provides protection in the womb. Abdominal or cesarean (c-section) en caul births are sometimes done intentionally using surgical techniques. A vagin*l en caul delivery is rare but can happen.

This article discusses what happens during an en caul birth, what complications are associated with the delivery, and some of the spiritual beliefs about what it means if a baby is born en caul.

What Happens in an en Caul Birth?

When your water breaks, it means that the amniotic sac that’s been protecting the fetus in your uterus throughout pregnancy has opened.

A baby born en caul looks like they have been born inside a clear, soft bubble that looks like a water balloon. (That’s why an en caul birth is also called a mermaid birth). Once the baby has been delivered, a healthcare provider will usually tear open the amniotic sac right away to get the baby out so they can be checked over.

C-section en caul deliveries are sometimes done on purpose by a surgeon to protect a baby during delivery (for example, if they are premature). vagin*l en caul births are very rare.

What Normally Happens to the Amniotic Sac During Labor?

In most cases, the membranes of the amniotic sac burst open during labor or within 24 hours of labor starting.

Often, this happens randomly (spontaneous rupture of membranes) and when a person is in active labor.In some cases, the membranes are intentionally ruptured by a provider or midwife to start labor or make labor go faster (artificial rupture of membranes).

The risk factors for having an en caul birth are not well understood. Most en caul births occur in premature births and when a person has only had a few pregnancies.

Benefits of en Caul Birth

In some cases, there are benefits of an en caul birth. For example:

• It may provide protection for a fetus who is high risk. The amniotic sac can be a buffer for an unborn fetus and protect it from forces during labor and delivery. This may also protect the fetus from bruising during contractions.
• For a fetus that is extremely preterm, an en caul c-section delivery may protect them from pressure-related trauma during delivery.
• Being born en caul might protect a fetus from a cord prolapse. This emergency situation is when the umbilical cord slips into the cervix in front of or below the fetus where it can be squeezed.
• An en caul vagin*l delivery may decrease the risk of the fetus’s head becoming stuck in the event of the cervix not being dilated enough.
• En caul c-section can be used to deliver low-birth-weight infants. For example, one study showed that this is common practice in maternal and perinatal centers in Japan.

Cultural Significance of en Caul Birth

Some people believe there is a spiritual meaning to a baby being born en caul since they are rare. They may believe that an en caul birth is a sign of good luck. Others feel that being born “in a veil” means the baby will be protected or achieve greatness.

Others may refer to the superstition or incorrect belief that a person born en caul can never drown.

Is en Caul Birth Dangerous?

The risks of a preterm en caul birth are similar to preterm births that are not en caul. Possible complications following an en caul birth include:

• Respiratory distress
• Sepsis
• Hemorrhage

An en caul c-section may lead to neonatal anemia—for example, if the blood vessels that supply the fetus get torn. Currently there is a poor understanding of the links between en caul birth and the baby’s survival time.

Summary

En caul birth is when a baby is born inside the amniotic sac that has not ruptured, giving them the appearance of being in a bubble. Sometimes, a baby is born with part of the open sac covering their face (a caul birth or veiled birth).

It’s rare for a baby to be born en caul in a vagin*l delivery, and it’s more likely to happen during a c-section. Sometimes, providers will do it on purpose—for example, to help protect a very premature baby.

Some people believe that being born en caul has spiritual significance and that a baby will be protected since they came into the world covered up by the amniotic sac that kept them safe during pregnancy.