In a remarkable incident from Brazil, a newborn baby boy was photographed clutching the very contraceptive device that failed to prevent his birth. The image, which quickly went viral, shows little Matheus Gabriel holding the T-shaped intrauterine device (IUD), also known as the copper coil, in his tiny hands shortly after delivery.
His mother, Queidy Araujo de Oliveira, had been using the IUD for two years and was assured of its high effectiveness — the device is considered 99% reliable in preventing pregnancy. Inserted directly into the womb, the copper coil works by releasing copper to stop fertilisation and typically lasts between five to ten years.
Despite the odds, Queidy discovered she was pregnant during a routine medical check-up. Doctors advised against removing the device during her pregnancy, as it could have posed serious risks. Throughout her term, she experienced complications including bleeding and partial detachment, but ultimately gave birth to a healthy baby boy at Hospital Sagrado Coracao de Jesus in Neropolis, Brazil.
Dr. Natalia Rodrigues, who delivered the child, captured the unforgettable moment when baby Matheus appeared to be triumphantly gripping the IUD in his hand. The photo was later shared online with a playful caption: “Holding my victory trophy: the IUD that couldn’t handle me!”
