Being Born With The Helmet On – What Is That?
If you’ve never heard the term “helmet-on” you may think it refers to some birth defect or disorder that can occur during childbirth. People who are familiar with the phrase may think of it as an event surrounded by mysticism.
We will explain in this article what it means when a baby comes into the world wearing a helmet. Despite what you may have heard, it happens very rarely. It can happen, as can all kinds of other unforeseen events that can occur during childbirth.
What is it: being born with a helmet on?
When the baby leaves the womb (usually through the birth canal), still surrounded by the sac of amniotic fluid, we say the baby was born with the helmet on.
Contrary to what normally happens at birth, the amniotic membrane does not break. Therefore, all who attend the birth have the opportunity to see the baby in the amniotic fluid, for a few seconds, as if it were still bobbing around in its mother’s womb.
What other names have been given to this?
Besides being born with the helmet on, this type of event is known by various names in contemporary culture. Consider, for example: en caule birth, born with the robe of the virgin, with a pouch or with a scarf.
Is it harmful to the baby to be born with the helmet on?
As long as a doctor breaks the sac shortly after birth to clamp the umbilical cord and stimulate breathing, the child will not be in any danger. Any disorder that can manifest at birth can occur anyway, regardless of whether the membrane is broken or not.
Does this condition provide any benefit to the newborn?
There is no benefit. It used to be believed that being born in the amniotic fluid protected the child from external pathogens for much longer. Today this is considered nothing more than a myth.
In addition, the baby stays in the bag for a very short time after it is born. So the membrane that covers him for only a few seconds does not make him immune to the infections he can get later.
How common are these births?
It is rare for a baby to be born with a helmet on. Usually the amniotic sac ruptures before the start of labor. This is one of the signs that labor has started.
It is true that it occurs more often with a vaginal birth than with a caesarean section.
Why do some people find this phenomenon almost magical?
Some people attribute this type of birth to a sacred touch. This is exactly what those present at the birth experience when it happens.
Those who witness it feel as if they find themselves temporarily in the mother’s womb, enjoying and watching what the ‘yet-unborn’ baby is doing.
These births are said to be extraordinary and incomparable events in which the beginning of human life is clearly seen.
It used to be (and still is in some cultures) that a baby born this way would have spiritual protection in the future. Therefore, from the moment of birth, he would be very happy and always remain happy.
Today we know – and most believe it to be true – that a baby born with a helmet on is nothing more than a whim of science. It is a curious event that inspires superstitions and all kinds of beliefs.
