Labour & Delivery

Contraceptive Fail: Newborn Baby Holding the IUD that Clearly DIDN’T Work

Ahh, birth control. It’s a somewhat annoying process but necessary. One of the most common and popular contraceptive methods is an intrauterine device (IUD). You insert it, you go about your business and you don’t have to worry about babies for months and months and months.

Except, of course, it’s only 99% effective and that 1% can result in a baby.

IUD baby surprise 

This is what happened to a 34-year-old Vietnamese mum. She already had two children and wasn’t quite ready for baby #3. But, baby #3 had other plans. The mother gave birth to her third child last week at Hai Phong International Hospital.

He was born a healthy 3.2 kg with a surprise for his mum – her failed IUD.

Baby: 1. Birth control: 0

According to obstetrician Tran Viet Phuong, the device came out with the bub before the newborn reached out and grabbed it. Phong then snapped a photo of the cheeky cherub and shared it on Facebook.

baby born with mum's IUD
Source: Facebook

Since sharing the pics, the likes, shares and comments came flooding in. Phuong said: “After delivery, I thought him holding the device was interesting, so I took a picture. I never thought it would receive so much attention.”

IUD baby
Source: Facebook

How does this even happen? 

Although the IUD is meant to be 99% effective for up to five years, there is always a risk involved with any birth control method. In the case of an IUD, the coils are meant to prevent sperm from being able to fertilise a woman’s egg.

However, the IUD could become dislodged from its original position, rendering it ineffective. This happened to a mum in the US and she shared her story last year.

More failed IUD babies

Oddly enough, this isn’t the first time a baby has been born with the IUD either. In August 2019 a mother took to Facebook to showcase her failed IUD stuck in her newborn’s hair.

In 2017 another baby was photographed with a Mirena IUD in his little hand. But, hey, we suppose it’s better that the failed IUD coming out during birth and no remaining lodged inside, right?

So, what did we learn today ladies and gents? If you are using the IUD, you better be prepared for a 1% chance of a surprise baby. And you better have the camera ready in the delivery room!

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Avatar of Jenna Galley

Born and raised in Canada, Jenna now lives in Far North Queensland with her tribe. When the mum-of-three is not writing, you can find her floating in the pool, watching princess movies, frolicking on the beach, bouncing her baby to sleep or nagging her older kids to put on their pants.

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