Warning: This article contains images of a medical nature.
Incredible photos have captured the extraordinary “bubble birth” of a baby girl who was born with her head encased in her amniotic sac.
Rachael and Nate Burow, from New York, US, were shocked when Annabelle was born with the fluid-filled bag containing her in the womb still in tact.
Typically this bubble, which is connected to the placenta and provides oxygen, bursts on its own during birth - the “waters breaking”. In Annabelle’s case, the portion of the sac around her head did not rupture, even when doctors made an incision as they delivered her via C-section.
“My doctor said this is super rare and it was definitely a surprise for us,” said Rachael. “I was taken aback when I saw the photos. It is completely amazing.”
Nate, 29, captured the moment on camera moments after Annabelle was born weighing 8lbs 5oz on 21 February. “Everything happened so fast,” he said.
“Rachael couldn’t see what was going on because she was behind a curtain and a little drugged up, but I was on the other side watching the operation.
“As they started pulling things out of her stomach this bubble comes out and at first I thought it was part of her insides. I knew it was weird because I had watched the C-section for my son 17 months earlier and I didn’t see that.
“All of the nurses that were around helping the doctor were getting excited and pointing at it, but I was confused and I didn’t know what I was looking at.”
Nate continued: “I got a little scared because I couldn’t tell if the nurses were reacting to something bad or good, so I looked over and was like, ‘Oh my God, is everything okay?’
“The nurse didn’t even answer she just said, ‘Quick, take a picture,’ so I pulled out the camera and snapped a few photos.
“After that I went back with Rachael. I could tell she was out of it and wanted to reassure her. There was a lot of pushing and tugging and the she was out, just like that. I’m not sure if they sliced it open or pulled it over her.
“I’m so happy that I got the moment on camera. We are so happy to have her with her now and that was just the cherry on top.”
Rachael shared the photos on Instagram @astoldbymama, where she documents her journey through motherhood with Annabelle and her 17-month-old son Isaiah.
Babies can also be born ‘en caul’, where they emerge fully encased within the amniotic sac, which is filled with fluid in which the unborn baby floats and moves. This fluid protects against infection and cushions the baby from bumps and injury as well as providing them with fluids that they can breathe and swallow.
To follow Annabelle’s journey, follow her on Instagram.