An 82-year-old woman, who was admitted to hospital with stomach pains, was found to have a 32-week-old calcified foetus in her abdomen.
The Columbian woman is believed to have carried the lithopedion or ‘stone baby’, which was discovered by X-ray at a centre in Bogota, for 40 years.
According to reports the phenomenon occurs when the baby develops outside of the uterus and cannot be absorbed back into the body. The body then defends itself from infection by covering the dead foetus with calcium.
Dr Kemer Ramirez from Tunjuelito Hospital told El Tiempo: “This happens because the foetus moved from the womb to another place
“In this case, the baby developed in the abdomen, and because the body generated defence mechanisms it was calcified, staying their encapsulated.”
The woman will now undergo surgery to remove the mass.
[Images via YouTube/ ITN]
Are saunas actually good for you? Here’s what experts have to say
These cities are the sunniest in Europe. Summer is officially here! If you’ve been looking for well-deserved city break for some sunshine, look no further, as new research has confirmed Europe’s sunniest cities. A new study completed by holiday rental platform Holidu has officially released a list of Europe’s sunniest cities. It analysed data from […]
Experts have confirmed whether saunas are actually good for our health. In Ireland, the use of saunas is becoming an increasingly popular pastime. As the Finnish custom becomes widespread across the country, people have been left wondering if it’s actually good for our health. Associate Professor of Extreme Environments at the University of Portsmouth, Dr […]
Brought to you by Fáilte Ireland Be part of the magic that makes Ireland a wonderful place to enjoy a short break. Deciding what career path you want to take post-school can be tough and filling out your CAO can be super daunting. Imagining a role that matches with your own ambition or envisioned lifestyle […]