A newborn baby has gone viral after being pictured holding the contraceptive device that was supposed to stop him from being born.
Little Matheus Gabriel was delivered at the Hospital Sagrado Coracao de Jesus in Neropolis, Brazil, and came into the world already making headlines.
His mum, Queidy Araujo de Oliveira, had been using an IUD (intrauterine device) for two years when she unexpectedly discovered she was pregnant during what was meant to be a routine check-up.
When the baby arrived, Dr Natalia Rodrigues, who performed the delivery, jokingly placed the copper IUD in Matheus’ tiny hand and filmed the hilarious moment.
The clip, posted online on September 1, showed the newborn clutching the device in his fist. It was captioned: “Holding my victory trophy: the IUD that couldn’t handle me!”
The video quickly went viral, with people all over the world joking that Matheus had “beaten the odds” before he could even crawl.
How Reliable Are IUDs Really?
An IUD is one of the most trusted methods of contraception, with more than 99 per cent effectiveness. There are two main types: copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs (also called intrauterine systems, or IUS).
Copper IUDs prevent pregnancy by creating an immune response that’s toxic to sperm and stops implantation, while hormonal IUDs release a hormone called progestin, which thickens cervical mucus and thins the uterine lining.
The copper IUD that Queidy had in place has a failure rate of just 0.6 per cent. But as Dr Natalia explained, this case is proof that no method is completely foolproof.
“When we least expected it, during an IUD follow-up, during the ultrasound to check on the condition, I found out I was pregnant,” Queidy recalled. “The reaction was desperate.”
Doctors explained that removing the IUD could have harmed the unborn child, so it was left in place for the rest of her pregnancy.
A Complicated Nine Months
Queidy described experiencing bleeding and detachments during the pregnancy, but despite the scares, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
Her husband, who had been waiting for a vasectomy, took the whole thing in good humour and joked online that the “factory is now closed.”
The story has since blown up online, with many joking that baby Matheus has already won life’s first big battle. Others have pointed out that his hilarious “victory photo” will make for some unbeatable future birthday posts.
Why Do IUDs Fail?
While IUDs are one of the most effective contraceptives available, they can sometimes fail for a few reasons.
Expulsion is when the device shifts or falls out of place, sometimes due to the shape of the uterus or complications during insertion. Malposition is when the IUD sits too low or incorrectly inside the uterus, which makes it less effective. And perforation — although rare — happens when the IUD pushes through the uterine wall.
In Queidy’s case, it’s not known exactly why the IUD didn’t work, but doctors say it’s a reminder that routine checks are important.
What You Need To Know About IUDs
An IUD, also known as a copper coil, is a small T-shaped device that a doctor or nurse inserts into the womb to prevent pregnancy. It works immediately after insertion and can last for five to ten years, depending on the type.
Once an IUD is removed, fertility returns to normal levels straight away. However, it’s not suitable for everyone. Women who are pregnant, think they may be pregnant, or have untreated pelvic infections, unexplained bleeding, or certain uterine conditions are usually advised against it.
It’s also important to note that IUDs don’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The NHS recommends using condoms every time you have sex to stay protected from STIs like HIV.
Routine check-ups after IUD insertion aren’t usually required in the UK, but doctors recommend that women self-check their IUD strings monthly. Anyone who can’t feel the strings, has unusual discharge, heavy bleeding, or symptoms of infection should seek urgent medical advice.
Some providers also recommend a check-up three to six weeks after insertion to make sure the IUD is in place.
Baby Matheus might only be a few days old, but he’s already become an internet icon — and a living reminder that when it comes to contraception, nothing is ever 100 per cent guaranteed.
Featured image credit: Hospital Sagrado Coracao de Jesus
