# **A Baby Born with an IUD/DIU Peg – The Incredible Story of “Miracle Babies” and the Birth Control That Didn’t Stop Them!**
*“See now!” – A headline that captured the world’s attention. But what really happened? Let’s explore.*
When a baby is born, it’s usually a moment of joy, awe, and excitement. But in recent years, a handful of births have drawn extraordinary attention—not because something was wrong, but because the baby seemed to defy biological expectations. These stories involve babies born **despite their mothers having an IUD (intrauterine device)** in place—the very device designed to *prevent* pregnancy. Some photos and headlines even show newborns pictured next to the device that failed to stop conception—and that’s sparked global fascination, viral posts, and plenty of questions.
In this blog post, we’ll explore:
* What an IUD/DIU is and how it works
* Why pregnancies can occur with an IUD
* Heart‑stopping real cases from around the world
* How these stories capture our imagination
* Medical and societal contexts
* Key lessons for anyone reading this story
Let’s dive in.
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## **1. What Is an IUD/DIU? The Basics**
First things first: **IUD** (Intrauterine Device) and **DIU** (Dispositif Intra‑Utérin, as it’s known in French‑speaking countries) are the same thing—two acronyms for the same birth control method. It’s a small, T‑shaped device placed inside a woman’s uterus by a healthcare professional to prevent pregnancy. ([Ameli][1])
There are **two major kinds** of IUD:
* **Copper IUDs:** These release copper ions, which create an environment hostile to sperm.
* **Hormonal IUDs:** These slowly release hormones (like levonorgestrel) that thicken cervical mucus and thin the uterine lining to block sperm and implantation. ([Ameli][1])
IUDs are widely used because they offer long‑term, reversible birth control—ranging from 3 to 10 years depending on the type. They’re over **99% effective** for most women. ([msdmanuals.com][2])
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## **2. If IUDs Are So Effective, How Can Pregnancy Happen?**
Yes, IUDs are *extremely* effective—but they are **not 100% foolproof**. A very small percentage of women (less than 1 in 100 per year) may still become pregnant while using one. ([Women's Health][3])
There are a few reasons:
* **Displacement:** The device can move from its proper place in the uterus, making it less effective.
* **Expulsion:** In rare cases, it can partly or fully exit the uterus without the woman realizing.
* **Improper insertion or timing:** If it isn’t placed correctly, its effectiveness drops.
* **Exception to every rule:** Biological variation means no method is perfect. ([Fréquence Médicale][4])
So while the odds are low, **pregnancy with an IUD absolutely can happen**. The real surprise isn’t that it happened—but the jaw‑dropping details some of these birth stories include.
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## **3. The “Mirena Baby” That Took the Internet by Storm**
One of the most famous cases was reported from the United States and quickly became a *viral sensation.*
In this story, a mother named Lucy Hellein gave birth via scheduled C‑section. She had an IUD (brand name *Mirena*) in place but became pregnant anyway. Doctors couldn’t find the device during pregnancy, and they assumed it had fallen out. After delivery, a medical professional found the IUD and removed it from behind the placenta. ([Global News][5])
A photo soon circulated showing baby **Dexter** holding the IUD—although this photo was *posed afterward*, not a literal snapshot of him being born clutching it. ([Snopes][6])
Still, the image captured people’s imaginations. Headlines called it the “Mirena baby.” People shared it widely, incredulous that a baby could come into the world alongside the very device meant to prevent their conception. ([firstcoastnews.com][7])
This story became a touchstone example used to explain how even the most reliable birth control can fail—and how life sometimes surprises us.
---
## **4. A Brazilian Baby Grabs Headlines Across the Globe**
More recently, another remarkable case has grabbed international attention—this time in **Brazil**.
A baby boy named **Matheus Gabriel** was born with his mother’s **copper IUD** still present at birth. It was captured in photos that quickly went viral on social media, showing Matheus holding the contraceptive coil that was intended to prevent the very pregnancy that led to his birth. ([e.vnexpress.net][8])
His mother, **Queidy Araujo de Oliveira**, had used the IUD for years and became pregnant despite its presence. In her case, the device remained inside the uterus throughout the pregnancy because removing it would have increased the risk to the fetus. As the baby emerged, doctors noticed the IUD and placed it in his hand to commemorate the extraordinary moment. ([e.vnexpress.net][8])
Both baby and mother were healthy after delivery—a relief given the potential for complications with an IUD still present. ([e.vnexpress.net][8])
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## **5. Vietnam: Another Heart‑Tugging Moment**
There are reports that date back several years from **Vietnam** showing a newborn pictured holding an IUD that came out during birth. Doctors there shared that the device was dislodged and the baby grasped it afterwards. The image became exceptionally popular online, especially in French‑language media reporting on contraception failures. ([Fréquence Médicale][4])
Like the other cases, this photo wasn’t meant to imply the baby *was born holding* the device so much as showing a surprising juxtaposition: a life that defied a mechanism designed to prevent it.
---
## **6. What These Stories Teach Us About Medicine and Odds**
Medical devices like IUDs are studied extensively for safety and effectiveness. Yet:
* **No contraceptive method is perfect.**
* **Biology is inherently variable.**
* **Rare events can draw outsized attention.**
Doctors explain these stories with careful nuance: a pregnancy with an IUD is rare, but not unheard of, and the presence of the device doesn't guarantee failure. ([Women's Health][3])
Most cases like this involve:
* An IUD that was in place at conception (or very soon after insertion),
* The device shifting or becoming less effective,
* The pregnancy continuing to term despite the presence of the device.
---
## **7. The Emotional Side: More Than Just a Photo**
Viral headlines tend to focus on the *shock value*—a baby and an IUD—but there’s a human story behind each one.
For the families involved:
* These pregnancies were **unexpected**.
* Some mothers were worried at first.
* Others embraced the surprise and shared their stories as a testament to hope and joy.
In the Alabama case, Lucy expressed complex feelings—fear initially, followed by gratitude and amazement at the journey. ([Global News][5])
These stories remind us that birth is deeply personal, unique, and often unpredictable.
---
## **8. Social Media and Viral Reactions**
Some images and claims spread widely on social platforms with sensational headlines like “baby born *holding* an IUD.”
Fact‑checking outlets clarified that in those specific photos, the babies weren’t literally born with the device in their fists—as extraordinary as that would be—but were photographed afterward. ([Snopes][6])
Still, the viral reaction shows how powerful visual storytelling can be online and how quickly content can spread—even if context gets simplified or exaggerated.
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## **9. Medical Implications: What Happens If a Pregnancy Occurs with an IUD?**
Doctors are clear that if a woman becomes pregnant while an IUD is in place, immediate medical assessment is critical. This is because:
* There’s a slightly increased risk of **ectopic pregnancy** (a fertilized egg implanting outside the uterus). ([WebMD][9])
* The IUD could increase the risk of miscarriage depending on where it is.
* Sometimes, if safe, removal early in pregnancy may be possible to lower risks.
Pregnant women with an IUD should contact their healthcare provider promptly to determine the safest course of action.
---
## **10. Why This Story Resonates With So Many People**
These stories resonate for several reasons:
### ✨ **They challenge assumptions.**
Most people think birth control *always* works. These examples show that life sometimes defies statistics.
### 📸 **They offer striking visuals.**
A baby next to an IUD coil is visually symbolic—tiny life vs. tiny device that *almost worked*.
### ❤️ **They connect to universal themes.**
Unexpected joy, resilience, and the mystery of life are central human experiences.
### 🌍 **They cross cultures.**
From the U.S. to Brazil to Vietnam, these stories show shared fascination with birth and beginnings.
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## **11. What Expectant Mothers Should Know**
If you’re using an IUD:
* Check for the device’s strings regularly.
* Follow up with healthcare providers as recommended.
* Be aware that while pregnancy is unlikely, it *can* happen.
And if you *do* discover you’re pregnant with an IUD in place, talk with your doctor right away.
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## **12. Conclusion: More Than a Viral Headline**
A baby born despite an IUD isn’t just a quirky headline—it’s a convergence of medicine, chance, and human story. These cases remind us that while science gives us powerful tools, life remains wonderfully unpredictable.
Whether it’s Dexter in Alabama, Matheus in Brazil, or others whose photos have circulated around the world, each story highlights resilience—both biological and emotional. And perhaps more importantly, they remind us that behind every viral image is a real family, a unique journey, and a new life that captured hearts everywhere.
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