The extremely rare event took place in Barcarena – in Para State, northern Brazil – on 22nd November when mum Beatriz Azevedo first gave birth to baby Eloise by caesarian section.
Two minutes later, it was her twin Julia’s turn.
To medics’ surprise, Julia came out still inside the intact amniotic sac.
Known as an en caul birth, the phenomenon is known to happen in less than one in 80,000 deliveries.
This is because the fluid-filled membrane usually breaks when the expectant mother is about to go into labour – a process commonly known as water breaking.
Obstetric nurse Geovany Magalhaes of Dr Anna Turan Maternal and Child Hospital told local media: ‘This allowed the mother and her companion to see the baby still inside the amniotic sac, acting as if she were inside the uterine environment.’
After being removed from the amniotic sac, Julia received first care and was then swiftly reunited with mum Beatriz, 25, and her sister in the operating room.
Beatriz recalled the moment Julia came out, telling local media: ‘All the doctors were buzzing and in awe. They said to record the moment before the sac broke.’
As of 26th November, the newborns were still in hospital and will only be released when they gain enough weight, as they were born prematurely, at 36 weeks.
