A baby born in Brazil has become an online sensation after being photographed clutching the very contraceptive device that was supposed to stop his conception.
Little Matheus Gabriel came into the world at the Hospital Sagrado Coração de Jesus in Nerópolis, Brazil, where doctors and family were stunned by the unusual delivery moment.
His mother, Queidy Araújo de Oliveira, had relied on an intrauterine device (IUD) for two years. She only discovered she was pregnant during a routine medical check-up—an announcement that came as a complete shock.
Dr Natalia Rodrigues holding an IUD after delivering a baby
Dr. Natalia Rodrigues, who helped deliver the baby, placed the small copper device in the newborn’s tiny hand as a lighthearted gesture. The moment was captured on video and quickly spread across social media, showing Matheus gripping the IUD like a “victory trophy.”
The clip was posted online with the playful caption: “Holding my victory prize: the IUD that couldn’t stop me!”
A Reminder About Birth Control Limits
While IUDs are among the most effective forms of contraception, no method is foolproof. Copper IUDs, like the one Queidy was using, are more than 99% effective, with a failure rate of only 0.6%.
A newborn baby holding an IUD in his hands
They work by creating an environment that is toxic to sperm and makes it harder for a fertilized egg to implant. Hormonal IUDs, another common option, release a synthetic hormone that prevents pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining.
Dr. Rodrigues used the surprising case to remind patients: “No contraceptive method is 100% guaranteed.”
A Risky Pregnancy
Doctors determined that removing the IUD after Queidy became pregnant could have put the baby’s life at risk. For that reason, the device remained in place throughout her pregnancy.
Queidy revealed she endured complications along the way, including bleeding and partial detachments. But despite the difficulties, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
A newborn baby holding an IUD in his hands
Her husband, who had been waiting to undergo a vasectomy, joked online that “the factory is now closed.”
What You Should Know About IUDs
An IUD, sometimes called a “coil,” is a small T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a doctor or nurse. Depending on the type, it can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. Fertility usually returns to normal immediately after removal.
But while highly effective, IUDs are not suitable for everyone. Women who are pregnant, have untreated infections, unexplained bleeding, or certain uterine conditions may not be good candidates.
A newborn baby holding an IUD in his hands
It’s also important to remember that IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Health experts recommend pairing them with condoms for full protection.
Rarely, IUDs can fail due to complications like expulsion (when the device moves or falls out), incorrect placement, or in very rare cases, uterine perforation.
Doctors recommend women check their IUD strings monthly and seek medical attention if they notice pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or signs the device has shifted.
In this case, however, what was meant to prevent life instead became part of a remarkable birth story—one baby boy arriving with his “trophy” in hand.
