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So How Can a Pregnancy Happen With an IUD in Place?
Despite the high effectiveness, no method of contraception is 100% guaranteed. Pregnancies can still occur with an IUD in place, though this is rare — occurring in less than 1 out of 100 women per year of use.
The IUD may have shifted position over time, reducing its effectiveness.
It may have partially expelled without the mother noticing.
Or in rare cases, the IUD remains in the uterus but doesn’t fully prevent conception.
In Matheus’s case from Brazil, the pregnancy simply continued despite the presence of the IUD, and the device was later found and placed in the baby’s hand for the photo. Medical notes indicate that the IUD was not physically lodged in the baby or affecting him, but was symbolic — and the photo was more of a staged moment for social media than the baby literally emerging with it “in hand.”
Beyond the Headlines: What Medicine Says
While the image is striking, doctors emphasize that this scenario is extremely unusual. Most pregnancies conceived with an IUD are carried out carefully under medical supervision because retaining an IUD during pregnancy can increase certain risks, such as miscarriage or infection if the device is left in place.
Ideally, if a pregnancy is detected early and the IUD strings are visible, a healthcare provider may remove the device to lower risks. However, if removal carries greater risk or if the IUD has moved, medical teams will manage the pregnancy case‑by‑case.
In most cases — including Matheus’s — the pregnancy progressed normally and the outcome was healthy. This confirms that, while rare, a full‑term pregnancy with an IUD in place can occur without negative consequences when properly monitored.
What makes this news so compelling isn’t just the rarity of the occurrence — it’s the human narrative that goes with it.
A Mother’s Surprise
For Queidy and her family, learning she was pregnant despite having a long‑acting contraceptive device in place likely came with a mix of surprise, anxiety, and joy. Many women rely on IUDs specifically because they want a predictable, long‑term contraceptive solution — so discovering a pregnancy can be emotionally intense.
The photo of Matheus holding the IUD became a viral symbol of that emotional journey — a tiny baby literally grasping a device that failed to prevent his conception. It’s an image that resonates with many because it captures the unexpected, poetic sides of life.
Social Media and Viral Moments
Today’s news cycle thrives on moments that are visually striking, easily shareable, and emotionally resonant. Matheus’s photo ticks all those boxes — and that’s part of why it spread so quickly. Social media turned what might have been a simple local birth story into an international talking point.
But it’s also worth remembering: behind every viral photo is a real family with real emotions and a real baby. Curiosity and excitement are natural, but so is respect for their privacy and dignity.
IUDs are among the most effective contraceptive methods available, yet rare failures do occur. Knowing this helps set realistic expectations and encourages open communication with healthcare providers about birth control options.
2. Pregnancy With an IUD Requires Careful Monitoring
If pregnancy occurs with an IUD in place, early prenatal care and monitoring are important. Medical professionals can assess the risks and make the safest plan for both mother and baby.
3. Images Can Be Misleading Without Context
Many online versions of this story suggest the baby literally emerged holding the contraceptive device. In reality, the device was placed in the newborn’s hand after birth for the photo — a symbolic gesture more than a biological phenomenon.
This reminds us to look beyond a striking image and understand the full story — especially in medical and health‑related topics where context matters.
4. Human Stories Grab Our Hearts
There’s something universally captivating about a newborn — especially one with a compelling story. Photos like these remind us of the unpredictability of life, the resilience of families, and the ways in which human experiences often defy simple explanations.
Myths, Facts, and Misinformation
Because of how unusual such stories are, they can also fuel misinformation. For example, some social media comments suggest that babies can be born physically attached to IUDs or that birth control physically interacts with the fetus in bizarre ways. These are myths. Medical experts are clear that:
Pregnancy with an IUD does not mean the baby grew around the device.
The device does not influence fetal anatomy just because it was present.
Most complications (like ectopic pregnancies) are detected early with prenatal care.
Good science and thoughtful reporting help separate fact from fiction — especially when viral images go global within hours.
Looking Ahead: Conversations Worth Having
This story also opens up bigger conversations about:
Reproductive Health Awareness
Understanding how different contraceptive methods work, their effectiveness, and what to do if pregnancy occurs despite them is empowering. Whether someone is considering birth control for the first time or thinking about future fertility, knowledge helps them make informed decisions.
Health Literacy in the Digital Age
As stories like Matheus’s spread online, they highlight how critical it is for readers to evaluate sources, ask questions, and seek trustworthy medical information — not just rely on a quick headline or photo.
Final Thoughts
The image of a newborn baby holding a contraceptive device — originally designed to prevent pregnancy — is fascinating, rare, and human. It has captured imaginations worldwide because it touches on science, surprise, symbolism, and the extraordinary unpredictability of life.
But beyond the shock value lies a deeper lesson: Medicine isn’t perfect, life isn’t predictable, and every moment — from a pregnancy test to a birth — carries its own story.
Baby Matheus’s arrival reminds us that even in a world of advanced health technology, life often writes its own narrative — one filled with miracles, mysteries, and moments that make us pause, smile, and think.
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